Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Restaurants / Biglari Holdings Inc. / FY2015 Annual Report

Biglari Holdings Inc.
Annual Report 2015

BH · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker BH
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Restaurants
Employees 2535
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FY2015 Annual Report · Biglari Holdings Inc.
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2015

Dear Shareholders of Biglari Holdings Inc.:  

Biglari  Holdings  is  unlike  most  public  corporations  in  structure,  scope,  and style.  I  believe 
we  are  duty  bound  to  communicate  clearly  our  operations,  economic  objectives,  and  managerial 
philosophy in an effort to cement an alignment of  expectations with all owners of our business.  In 
doing so, the ownership will comprehend our policies and methods of operation.  

We  have  been  building  Biglari  Holdings  to  be  a  mosaic  of  businesses,  devoted  to 
acquisitions,  thereby  adding  to  a  fine  collection,  an  amalgam  intended  to  produce  a  stream  of 
significant,  strong,  and  secure  cash  flows.  We  fashioned  a  structure  enabling  maximum  flexibility 
concerning capital allocation — moving capital for  efficacy — that has accounted for much of our 
economic gain. We hold a significant structural advantage as a permanently capitalized vehicle with 
cash-generating,  controlled  businesses  distributing  surplus  cash  to  the  parent  company  for 
reallocation. The genesis of the current construction was inaugurated seven and one-half years ago, 
when we took on a business at the edge of bankruptcy — Steak n Shake — which soon became the 
launching pad for Biglari Holdings.   

From 1934 through 2008 the cumulative pre-tax earnings of Steak n Shake were around $480 
million.  However,  when  we  took  over  in  August  2008,  the  company  was  in  serious  turmoil  — 
financially,  operationally,  and  culturally  —  nearing  extinction.  The  turnaround  was  exceedingly 
difficult because of the company’s dire financial position and the country’s severe credit crisis. Steak 
n Shake had been in violation of its debt covenants with lenders. However, we were able to obtain 
waivers on the credit agreements. Yet ominously, the lenders reduced the amount of credit available 
to the company, heightened interest rates, and tightened financial covenants. Against this backdrop, 
Steak n  Shake  was experiencing  double digit  declines  in customer  traffic  as  well  as  suffering  cash 
losses of about $100,000 per day! In August 2008, to assess the amount of time we had left to turn 
the business around, we stress tested what projected pre-tax losses would become if declines of 10% 
in same-store sales continued in fiscal 2009. We braced ourselves…$57 million!  

We  started  from  an  inauspicious  base  of  $1.6  million  in  cash  along  with  a  business  in 
extremis, operating at significant losses. We repositioned, resuscitated, and rescued Steak n Shake in 
very short order. The chain shifted from losing 11% in customer traffic in September 2008 to gaining 
10%  in  December  2008,  a  remarkable  21  percentage  point  reversal.  In  contrast,  during  the  same 
period,  most  other  restaurant  chains  in  the  industry  were  experiencing  precipitous  declines  in 
customer traffic. After turning our struggling company into a profitable enterprise, it formed the base 
from which we have been  constructing a dynamic, value-building enterprise, Biglari Holdings.  We 
began reallocating excess capital into superior but unrelated businesses and investments. In creating 
Biglari Holdings from scratch, we formulated no master plan concerning businesses or industries we 
would  enter,  but  instead  we  pursued  unusual,  golden  opportunities  wherever  and  whenever  they 
arose.  Over  the  last  seven  years  Biglari  Holdings’  cumulative  pre-tax  earnings  (including  profits 
from investments) have totaled  approximately $485 million. In other words, more money has been 
earned  in  the  last  seven  years  by  Biglari  Holdings  than  during  the  preceding  75  years  by  Steak  n 
Shake. 

The compression of 75 years of profits into one-tenth of the time represents a testament to the 
virtues  of  creating  a  multifaceted  holding  company.  It  should  be  noted  that  I  designed  Biglari 
Holdings  to  fit  my  skill  set  as  an  entrepreneur  and  investor.  Each  building  block  of  the  Biglari 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings’  architecture  was  guided  by  the  economic  objective  of  maximizing  per-share  intrinsic 
value.1  Despite  its  advantages,  we  can  further  assert  that  our  highly  unusual  system  would  not 
necessarily make sense for other entrepreneurs.  

Our  structure  provides  us  with  a  far  more  flexible  instrument  than  do  most  other  forms  of 
public corporations. By way of illustration, most corporations reinvest earnings within their industry, 
whereas we postulate that just because we generate profits, for example, in our restaurant business, it 
does not mean we are required to reinvest the money there. We send cash unneeded at the subsidiary 
level to the parent company in order to increase our ownership in other businesses. Furthermore, we 
are not limited to business ownership in its entirety.  We  venture into wider channels. Whereas our 
preference  is  total  business  ownership,  the  stock  market  offers  a  wider  selection  of  fractional 
business  ownership,  in  which  we  usually  obtain  more  value  than  the  price  paid.  The  latitude  in 
surveying a wide investment universe, comparing one opportunity against another, has proven to be 
an  enormous  advantage  for  Biglari  Holdings.  We  transformed  from  nearly  zero  into  an  enterprise 
with $815 million in cash and investments. Here is the evolution of cash and investments since the 
end of fiscal 2008:  

Cash and Cash-Equivalents ........    $   56.5     $   124.3     $   94.6    $  60.4    $ 

99.0    $ 

47.6    $ 

51.4    $ 

6.9 

2015* 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

(In Millions) 

21.5   
Marketable Securities .................     
The Lion Fund** ........................      734.7       620.8   
38.6     
Total Investments .......................     $   815.0     $   766.6     $  635.4    $  378.6    $  252.8    $  118.7    $ 

85.5      269.9     

23.8      

455.3     

115.3     

38.5     

48.3     

32.5     

3.0     

– 

– 

– 

 54.4    $ 

6.9 

*  Data are for December 31, 2015. The years 2008 through 2014 were fiscal years that ended on Wednesday nearest September 30. 
** These sums are Biglari Holdings’ investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. The interests of the other limited partners are 
not included. Both partnerships throughout this letter will be referenced as The Lion Fund. 

Do not extrapolate from historical trends, for their continuation should be regarded as highly 

unpredictable.  

Biglari Holdings can scale an agglomeration of operating companies because of its structure. 
We  are  able  to  fuse  disparate  businesses  under  the  command  of  an  efficient  holding  company 
because we centralize financial decision making but preferably seek to delegate operating authority at 
the  business  unit  level.  Centralized  control  in  capital  allocation  lies  within  the  extreme,  with  my 
being the sole capital deployer. We employ neither analysts nor advisors. Although Biglari Holdings 
employs 22,958, we function with a minuscule corporate headquarters utilizing a staff of only 5. We 
relinquish  such  departments  as  acquisitions,  public  relations,  legal,  human  resources,  strategic 
planning,  investor  relations,  and  the  like.  We  avoid  layers  of  expenses  by  waving  legions  of 
corporate decision makers, who otherwise would stifle decision-making acuity and agility, limiting 
progress and performance.  

1 Intrinsic value is measured by taking all future cash flows into and out of the business and discounting 

the net figures at an appropriate interest rate. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
  
  
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
                                                   
Henry  Ford  reportedly  said,  “You  can’t  build  a  reputation  on  what  you  are  going  to  do.” 
Evidence of our increasing reputational capital is our acquisition of First Guard Insurance Company, 
which  has  demonstrated  that  we  are  a  distinct  type  of  buyer,  one  who  values  non-integration  and 
permanency.  In  stark  contrast,  strategic  buyers  will  usually  integrate  the  acquiree’s  operations  into 
their own, and private equity firms, exit driven, will very likely weaken the acquiree’s balance sheet. 
When sellers deeply care about their business and not exclusively about the price, we offer a superior 
alternative. We view Biglari Holdings as a museum of businesses housing a collection of excellent 
enterprises.  

One  extraordinary  entrepreneur  who  favored  our  idiosyncrasies  was  Edmund  B.  Campbell, 
III,  founder  of  First  Guard.  Over  the  years  Ed  had  been  approached  but  had  refused  a  number  of 
strategic and financial buyers because of his concern that such acquirors would be disruptive for the 
business  and  its  employees.  But,  alternatively,  our  concept  had  great  appeal.  After  all,  we  are  not 
transient  holders  of  businesses;  rather,  we  offer  a  permanent  residence  for  highly  prized  creations, 
thereby allowing and desiring the seller to continue running their business with great autonomy. First 
Guard is an ideal purchase — exceptionally well managed with uncommonly strong economics and 
appropriately  priced  —  representing  the  blueprint  for  future  additions  into  our  collection  of 
businesses.  

When we purchased First Guard in March 2014, Ed received all cash for his 100% interest. 
Still, he has continued to run his business for Biglari Holdings with a level of zeal as if his ownership 
had never changed hands. This outcome is testimony to Ed’s character. He has no financial need to 
remain involved with Biglari Holdings, but he remains motivated by the thrill of achievement. As I 
will discuss later in the letter, the benefit of our ownership structure has allowed Ed and his team to 
attain results that exceed previously superb performances.  

We  expect  other  gifted  individuals  to  join  Biglari  Holdings’  family  of  companies.  The 
commitments we make to sellers — such as providing a permanent home for their businesses — will 
endure. With my controlling position in the Biglari Holdings stock, we can promise sellers there will 
be  no  change  in  control.  Our  proposition  engenders  advantages  vis-à-vis  acquisitive  competitors 
unable or unwilling to make the same pledges. As a corollary, there will be no spinoffs of holdings 
such  as  First  Guard.  We  are  led  by  our  own  judgment  and  inclination,  not  by  the  unwise  and 
unwanted opinions of pundits.  

Your  company  has  been  created  on  a  solid  foundation  from  which  we  continue  to  build  a 
powerful  business.  Our  operating  and  capital  deployment  decisions  are  driven  by  their  long-term 
economic consequences, measured by advancement in per-share intrinsic value. The combination of 
cash  generated  by  operating  subsidiaries  along  with  my  capital  allocation  work  will  stoke  our 
corporate  performance,  which  according  to  our  criterion  must  outdo  our  benchmark,  the  S&P  500 
Index. Over the last seven years, namely, since present management has been in control,  we believe 
Biglari Holdings’ gain in per-share intrinsic value has far outstripped the S&P. 

Phil Cooley, Vice Chairman of Biglari Holdings, and I evaluate Biglari Holdings’ economic 
performance  through  a  multiplicity  of  substantive  dimensions.  However,  two  components  — 
investments and operating businesses — are extremely critical in assessing the company’s progress. 
We will present the dual segments as if Biglari Holdings were split into two parts. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments  

By  the  end  of  calendar  2015,  total  investments  (cash,  marketable  securities,  and  Biglari 
Holdings’  investments  in  The  Lion  Fund)  amounted  to  $815  million.  From  September  24,  2008 
through December 31, 2015, Biglari Holdings’ investments have climbed by $808.1 million.  

The  exponential  rise  in  investments  is  a  byproduct  of  effective  operational  and  financial 
management.  Here  is  a  breakdown  of  the  major  sources  of  capital  contributing  to  our  company’s 
meteoric ascent in total investments: 

(In Millions) 

Sources of Capital Contributions  
Investment Gains (net of losses) ..............    
Operating Businesses ...............................    

2008-2015 

$ 325.1 
208.8 

Acquisitions of Businesses .......................    

(68.1) 

Net Increase in Subsidiary Debt ...............    
Equity Offerings .......................................    
Total .........................................................     

180.8 
161.5 

$ 808.1 

The  turnaround  of  Steak  n  Shake  initiated  Biglari  Holdings’  progression.  The  sound 
reinvestment  of  capital  propelled  cumulative  investment  gains  that  exceed  the  cumulative  cash 
production from operating businesses.  

Whereas  we  pursue  diversity  of  cash  streams  through  the  acquisition  of  controlled 
businesses, we take a concentrated approach to investments, which are largely managed through The 
Lion  Fund.  The  investment  partnerships  adhere  to  a  total  return  strategy,  not  an  asset  allocation 
strategy. We are very long-term investors, preferring to concentrate on very few investments. We are 
unfazed  by  volatility  —  actually  we  welcome  it  —  because  we  trade  steady  annual  returns  in 
exchange for the expectation of superior long-term results. In times of adversity the speculator folds, 
but  the  true  investor  focuses.  In  pursuing  portfolio  concentration,  the  supreme  consideration  is 
knowledge. Risk is inversely related to knowledge: The more you know, the less you risk. Logically, 
we do not follow a myopic crowd into fads, fashion and fantasies of the moment.   

Through  The  Lion  Fund,  our  largest  common  stock  holding  is  the  ownership  of  4,737,794 
shares in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., or a 19.8% equity interest. We purchased stock in 
Cracker  Barrel  for  $241  million  between  May  2011  and  December  2012,  with  a  dollar-weighted 
purchase date of December 2011. Over four years of ownership, we have not sold a single share. In 
2015 The Lion Fund received cash distributions of about $34.1 million, approximately 14.1% of our 
cost. At the end of the year the market value of our stake was about $600 million. Along the way we 
have collected a total of $69 million in dividends or 28.6% of our cost.  

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Except for regulatory requirements, we will not share our thoughts, discuss our intentions, or 
telegraph  our  investment  ideas.  We  connect  silence  with  strength,  for  a  stealth  approach  benefits 
shareholders. Our trade secrets are valuable; sharing them can diminish the value of our business by 
enabling coattail riders to benefit at our shareholders’ expense. The Lion Fund is a private investment 
partnership whose activities will and should remain private.  

I  started  The  Lion  Fund  in  2000  with  a  simple  pay-for-performance  arrangement,  one 
continuing  to  this  day.  As  a  limited  partner,  Biglari  Holdings  pays  only  a  contingent  fee  —  one-
quarter  of  the  profits  over  6%  —  to  the  general  partner.  The  division  of  profits  between  limited 
partners and the general partner is predicated on the limited partners first making money, before the 
general partner shares in the excess. In other words, once Biglari Holdings earns a 6% return, it then 
retains 75% of the profits.  

Our incentive system differs from that of most investment managers, whose compensation is 
tied  to  the  level  of  assets  under  management.  Regardless  of  whether  an  investor  makes  or  loses 
money, the investment manager is guaranteed significant income. A typical manager’s incentive is to 
earn a return on  his capital, rather than a return on his  investors’ capital. In addition, a hedge fund 
manager  may  charge  both  a  large  management  fee,  2%  of  assets,  plus  a  significant  contingent 
payment, 20% of profits — and usually absent a minimum hurdle rate. Our arrangement, in contrast, 
espouses a genuine partnership ethos.  

Biglari  Holdings  has  a  $734.7  million  investment  in  The  Lion  Fund  partnerships.  The  net 
unrealized  appreciation  from  the  securities  in  the  partnerships  is  $303.4  million.    As  is  evident  in 
Biglari  Holdings’  financial  statements,  we  would  owe  taxes  of  $116  million  if  the  partnerships 
liquidated  their  holdings  at  year-end  values.  Therefore,  Biglari  Holdings’  investment  in  the 
partnerships  arrives  before  accounting  for  the  deferred  income  taxes  on  unrealized  gains.  The 
liability,  we  regard,  is  tantamount  to  an  interest-free  loan  from  the  government  for  the  company’s 
benefit. 

Operating Businesses  

We  have  four  major  controlled  businesses,  each  100%-owned:  Steak  n  Shake,  Western 
Sizzlin, First Guard, and Maxim. When we started with Steak n Shake in 2008, it became the engine 
in Biglari Holdings’ machine, powering expansion into other businesses and investments. We will 
continue to construct Biglari Holdings one acquisition at a time. 

Because  we  are  driven  by  intrinsic  value,  not  by  an  income  statement,  in  our  view  our 
reported  earnings  do  not  properly  represent  a  meaningful  measure  of  our  economic  progress. 
Nevertheless,  as  a  first  step  in  evaluating  Biglari  Holdings’  performance,  the  following  table 
delineates an unconventional breakdown of our earnings in a form Phil and I find more useful than 
the conventional one in our consolidated statements. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Earnings: 

Steak n Shake ........................................................  
Western Sizzlin .....................................................  
First Guard  ...........................................................  
Maxim  ..................................................................  
Corporate and Other  .............................................  
Operating Earnings Before Interest and Taxes .........  
Interest Expense ........................................................  
Income Taxes ............................................................  

Net Operating Earnings ............................................  
The Lion Fund (net of taxes) ....................................  

(In 000’s) 

2015 

2014 

$  39,749    
1,849 
3,529 
(18,105)   
 (13,158)   

13,864    
11,939 

(400)   

2,325 
(18,168)   

$  27,205  
1,830 
2,367 
 (21,479) 
 (6,564) 

3,359  
11,930 
(3,180)  

(5,391) 
106,296 

Total Earnings  ..........................................................  

$  (15,843)   

$  100,905  

Notes:  The  2015  and  2014  data  are  presented  for  calendar  years.  The  2014  fiscal  year  has  been  restated  as  calendar  for 
comparability. The company adopted a calendar year, switching from one ending on the Wednesday nearest September 30 to one 
ending on December 31. 

Our  reported  earnings  are  materially  affected  by  the  volatility  in  the  carrying  value  of  The 
Lion Fund. We are indifferent about the variability in reported earnings triggered by the accounting 
of the investment partnerships. We simply separate changes in the partnerships’ values from those in 
operating businesses when we report Biglari Holdings’ earnings. In addition, Phil and I evaluate our 
equity holdings within The Lion Fund based on their underlying operating results, not on their short-
term changes  in  market  price.  Over  the long  run,  no  better  barometer  of  value  creation  exists  than 
gain in stock price. Intrinsic value and stock price often diverge — sometimes substantially and quite 
lengthily — but in the long run they converge at approximately the same destination.  

The  net  operating  earnings  of  $2.3  million  in  2015  versus  a  loss  of  $5.4  million  in  2014 
provide  an  incomplete assessment.  During  the  last  several  years  we  have  taken  actions that  reduce 
profit  but  with  the  intention  of  maximizing  the  present  value  of  future  cash  flows.  Each  operating 
subsidiary  is  managed  through  the  idea  of  producing  cash  returns  to  advance  intrinsic  value. 
However,  the  subsidiaries  are  on  differing  stages  of  the  business  life  cycle:  We  have  been  cash-
cowing Western for years, whereas Maxim requires our initially putting the milk into the cow.  The 
logical approach for shareholders to appraise Biglari Holdings is through reviewing the performance 
of each operating subsidiary.  

Restaurant Operations 

Our restaurant operations consist of Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin. The business models 
of each differ, with Steak n Shake primarily operating restaurants, sporting a total of 561 locations, of 
which  417  are  company  operated.  Western,  on  the  other  hand,  is  mainly  engaged  in  franchising 
restaurants, with 70 units — all but 4 are franchisee run. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  2015,  Western  sent  Biglari  Holdings  $3.1  million  of  cash,  a  healthy  improvement  over 
2014.  The  Western  team  did  an  outstanding  job  by  wringing  out  more  cash.  Biglari  Holdings 
purchased Western in March 2010 for a net purchase price of $21.7 million. Since then, an aggregate 
of  $16.3  million  has  been  paid  to  Biglari  Holdings,  through  which  we  have  redeployed  the  capital 
into  more  gainful  opportunities.  Additionally,  the  Western  acquisition  arrived  with  marketable 
securities of $2 million. The acquisition also included undeveloped real estate purchased in 2007 for 
$3.8 million, which has more than doubled in value.  

* * * 

Steak  n  Shake’s  performance  over  the  last  seven  years  has  been  exceptional,  particularly 
when compared with the results of other publicly owned restaurant chains. When evaluating the prior 
seven-year performance against restaurant peers, one must consider that Steak n Shake has (1) paid 
more in dividends to Biglari Holdings than it has earned in profits, i.e., a dividend ratio well beyond 
100% and (2) spent the  least in capital expenditures as a percent of sales compared to all publicly 
owned restaurant companies. Many of these restaurant chains retain all of their earnings, usually to 
build more stores and to remodel existing ones. Without the tailwinds of retained earnings and major 
capital expenditures, Steak n Shake maintains a streak of 28 consecutive quarterly increases in same-
store sales. Below is a side-by-side comparison of same-store performances before and after we took 
over.  

Same-Store Sales 

Pre-Takeover 

Post-Takeover 

Quarter  
1st  ................  

2nd  ...............  

2005    2006    2007 

  2008 

– 

– 

   -1.1%    -1.7%    -9.5% 

   -0.3%    -4.7%    -6.3% 

– 

   -3.9%    -4.3%    -5.8% 
3rd  ...............  
4th  ................    -3.0%    -3.4%    -3.9%    -7.4% 
Transition ....  

  2013 

  2014 

  2015 
  2009    2010    2011 
  2012 
    -1.4%    14.4%    2.1%    5.5%    1.3%     3.0%     6.0% 
    2.4%    5.1%    4.3%    4.8%    0.3%     3.7%     4.8% 
    5.0%    7.5%    4.9%    2.9%    4.2%     1.0%     3.0% 
    10.1%    6.8%    5.3%    1.8%    3.3%     3.4%     0.8% 

    4.8%    

Notes:  2015  data  are  for  calendar  year.  The  years  2005  through  2014  were  fiscal  years  ending  on  the  Wednesday  nearest  September  30.  
The transition period is from September 25, 2014 through December 31, 2014. 

Same-store sales should not be the sole metric for performance measurement. Pursuing same-
store  sales  growth  without  regard  to  other  statistics  —  e.g.,  return  on  investment  —  can  lead  to 
ruinous behavior. Just as a physician would not depend on a single reading to gauge human vitality, 
an investor should not depend on a single reading to gauge business vitality. 

In Steak n Shake’s case, the validity of the same-store sales metric strengthens because it has 
been  developed  within  a  constant  base  of  stores,  in  which  customer  traffic  growth  was  attained 
without  consequential  capital  outlays,  covers  several  years,  and  has  resulted  in  profit  growth.  The 
prime reason Steak n Shake’s unit-level performance has been improving is that unit-level customer 
traffic has been on the ascendency for the past seven years, with a cumulative increase of about 40%. 
Viewing all company-operated units as a single, united, gigantic store, we served 85 million patrons  

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in  2008,  yet  in  2015  we  served  118  million  customers.  In  other  words,  33  million  additional 
customers  (some  of  whom  were  repeats)  went  through  the  same  four  walls  in  2015,  compared  to 
those in 2008. 

It is a truism that gaining more customers can be accomplished by opening more units — not 
necessarily  a  managerial  accomplishment.  The  limiting  factor  is  capital.  Mastery  in  the  trade  is  
to  profitably  gain  more  customers  through  existing  stores  —  and  leveraging  fixed  restaurant-level 
costs  —  an  exceedingly  more  difficult  but  also  a  far  more  rewarding  concept.  The  swing  in  the 
pendulum  from  losses  in  2008  to  profits  in  subsequent  years  is  attributable  to  our  bolstering  the 
stores in our domain to become more productive.  

Here is a review of Steak n Shake’s results since 2008:  

(Dollars in 000’s) 

Net Revenue 

Operating 
Earnings  

Number of 
Customers* 

Number of  
Company Stores  
at Year-End 

  Operating 
Earnings  
Per Store 

2008 ...........................   $  610,061 

  $  (30,754) 

  85,000,000 

2009 (53 weeks) .........  

2010 ...........................  

2011 ...........................  

628,726 

662,891 

689,325 

2012 ...........................   

718,010 

2013 ...........................  

2014** .......................  
2015** .......................  

737,090 

776,486 
805,771 

11,473 

38,316 

41,247 

45,622 

28,376 

27,205 
39,749 

  91,000,000 

  101,000,000 

  105,000,000 

  110,000,000 

  112,000,000 

   115,000,000 
   118,000,000 

*  Customer count is only for company-operated units.  

423 

412 

412 

413 

414 

415 

417 
417 

  $  (72.7) 

27.8 

93.0 

99.9 

  110.2 

68.4 

65.2 
95.3 

** Data are for calendar years. The 2014 fiscal year has been restated as calendar for comparability. The years 2008 through 2013 were fiscal 
years ending on the Wednesday nearest September 30. 

Phil  and  I  believe  that  in  2015  Steak  n  Shake’s  intrinsic  value  increased  moderately  even 
though its operating earnings augmented by 46%. Steak n Shake’s earnings before interest and taxes 
were $39.7 million, up from $27.2 million in the preceding year. For years we voluntarily have been 
trading  near-term  earnings  to  develop  higher  long-term  cash  flows.  In  2015,  we  benefited  from 
declining  commodity  prices,  and  we  began  to  be  rewarded  on  our  prior  investments  because  (1) 
aggressive  spending  to  develop  the  franchising  business  leveled  off  and  (2)  years  of  strengthening 
our long-term competitive position boosted profits. We expect the momentum to continue in 2016, 
further  advancing  operating  earnings.  Notwithstanding,  we  will  continue  to  allocate  capital  on  the 
expectation of creating consequential, greater dollar value for each dollar spent.  

Sir  Isaiah  Berlin,  in  his  book  The  Hedgehog  and  the  Fox,  quotes  the  great  Greek  poet 
Archilochus, “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” Steak n Shake 
can be classified as pursuing a hedgehog strategy. We are disciplined not to diversify the menu but to 
present a simple menu centered on burgers/fries and shakes/drinks that comprise nearly 80% of our 
sales.  Over  the  years  we  have  eliminated  a  number  of  menu  items,  but  have  elevated  quality  and 
variety around core products. After all, too much complexity undermines simplicity along with the 
benefits  of  operational  efficiencies.  The  underlying  reasons  patrons  wanted  Steak  n  Shake  in  the 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
1930s — savory steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes — have essentially remained unchanged. 
Steak  n  Shake  intends  to  lead  and  dominate  the  premium  burger  and  milkshake  segment  of  the 
restaurant industry. Recalling that aphoristic parable, the winner in our business is the hedgehog. We 
are  quite  certain  the  hedgehog,  and  even  the  fox,  would  enjoy  our  recently  introduced  Nutella 
Milkshake.  

We  operate  Steak  n  Shake  on  a  basic  principle:  If  we  take  care  of  our  customers,  our 
customers will take care of us. Our formula is simple: Provide the highest quality burgers and shakes 
at the lowest possible profit per customer from an ever-increasing number of customers. Our pricing 
philosophy  therefore  is  to  widen  not  our  profit  margin  but  our  value  proposition.  By  minimizing 
profit per customer, we gain loyalty in an industry where customer loyalty is exceedingly difficult to 
attain. A higher number of patrons translates into higher aggregate profits in the long term.  

Our  discipline  using  tight  expense  controls,  minutely  weeding  out  waste,  enables  us  to 
achieve sustainable cost advantages. As we squeeze out costs, we pass most of the savings on to the 
customer.  To  maintain  our  success,  we  must  persist  within  a  culture  of  thrift,  quickly  correcting 
inefficiencies.  Steak  n  Shake  is  a  customer-focused  organization  —  thanks  to  the  relentless 
dedication, indeed the passion, of our more than 22,000 associates.  

The traditional side of the business, company-operated units, has produced torrents of cash.  
In fact, over the last seven years Steak n Shake has distributed more than $330 million of capital to 
Biglari  Holdings,  which  has  powered  the  parent  company’s  growth.  Steak  n  Shake  itself  has  an 
ambitious  plan  to  become  global  but  without  major  requirements  for  fixed  asset  investments.  To 
achieve growth without major capital outlays we leverage the Steak n Shake brand to capitalize on a 
franchise-based  model,  a  noncapital-intensive  strategy  that  generates  high-return,  annuity-like  cash 
flows.  In  the  emerging  side  of  the  business,  franchising,  the  necessity  for  major  capital  funding  to 
expand the brand is borne by third parties. We mainly collect royalties. Our fundamental idea is to 
produce long-term cash flows yet concomitantly reduce operating risks.  

Since  2010  we  have  invested  substantial  sums  to  build  infrastructure  and  system-wide 
standards for the franchising business.  After  five  years of investments, we now have reached scale 
and  expect  that  for  2016  the  franchising  segment  of  our  business  will  generate  more  cash  than  it 
consumes. The franchise business had resembled a start-up, necessitating investments that advanced 
intrinsic  value  but  produced  losses  under  conventional  accounting.  Because  of  the  upfront  costs, 
public companies  desiring  to  enlarge  their  near-term  accounting  earnings  would  not  have  followed 
similar  initiatives.  We  made  the  investments  necessary  to  channel  our  growth.  Now  gradually  we 
expect to fill these rivers of ever-increasing cash.  

Displayed below are the number of franchise units and the revenues derived from them: 

2010 ..................................  

2015 ..................................  

Overall Gain 

(Dollars in 000’s) 

Number of 
Franchise Units 

Franchise 
Revenue  

$ 4,205 

13,783 

$ 9,578 

71 

144 

73 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Although  Steak  n  Shake  was  founded  in  1934  in  Normal,  Illinois,  the  first  franchised  unit 
opened in  1939.  From  1939  to  2010  Steak  n  Shake  grew  by  an  average  of  one  franchised  unit  per 
year. In 2010 we made franchising the cornerstone of our growth strategy. Over the last five years, 
we have added more franchised units — 73 to be exact — than in the preceding 71 years.  

Our prospects to enlarge both domestic and international franchising are better than ever. We 
have designed and developed our concepts in a modular way, not possessing an inflexible format but 
adapting  to  various  venues.  Because  of  the  modularity  of  Steak  n  Shake’s  design,  we  are  now 
growing in universities, casinos, airports, gas stations, shopping centers, and other arenas.  

Internationally,  we  have  two  company-operated  units  along  the  Mediterranean  Sea:  one  on 
the island of Ibiza, Spain, and the other in Cannes, France. Both units are solidly profitable and have 
served  as  successful,  powerful  counter-service-only  models  for  prospective  franchisees.  We  now 
have a total of 10 units internationally, with the most recent openings in Italy: one in Verona and the 
other in Milan.  

First Guard Insurance Company 

First  Guard  —  a  direct  underwriter  of  commercial  trucking  insurance  —  is  a  low-cost 
operator,  one  with  extraordinary  efficiency,  engendering  a  sustainable competitive  advantage.  First 
Guard  was  designed  with  an  exceptional  business  model  —  no  agent  between  the  insurer  and  the 
insured  —  whose  architect  Ed  Campbell,  III,  year-in  and  year-out  has  achieved  performance  par 
excellence in an industry not known for exceptional economics.  

We purchased First Guard and its affiliated agency on March 19, 2014. Shown below are the 
results presented for full years, as if we had owned the company throughout 2014 rather than from 
the date of acquisition: 

(Dollars in 000’s) 

Net Written 
Premium 

Underwriting 
Profit 

Combined  
Ratio* 

2014 ..............................  

10,757 

2015 ..............................  

16,719 

$ 2,293 

3,357 

78.7 

80.0 

*The  combined  ratio  represents  losses  incurred  plus  expenses  as  compared  to  revenue  from  premiums. 
A combined ratio beneath 100 percent denotes an underwriting profit whereas a ratio above 100 percent presents 
a loss. 

We  have  no  volume  goal,  but  we  do  maintain  an  underwriting  profit  objective. 
Notwithstanding,  in  2015  First  Guard  set  a  new  volume  record  while  generating  excellent 
underwriting earnings. One-year underwriting profitability of 80% is stellar, but the company’s 19-
year  underwriting  record  of  79%  is  absolutely  stunning.  Profitable  underwriting  is  an  oft-stated 
objective but not an oft-achieved objective. However, losses are alien to Ed and his team: First Guard 
has  achieved  an  underwriting  profit  every  year  since  its  founding  in  1997.  In  2015,  First  Guard 
earned $3.5 million pre-tax, an increase of 35.3% over the prior year.   

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The parent company’s exceptional financial strength has been an operational asset for  First 
Guard. Biglari Holdings has the ability — deep capital strength — and the willingness to withstand 
volatility  so  long  as  the  decisions  carry  with  it  the  prospects  of  higher  long-term  earnings.  As  a 
consequence, we now retain most of our originated premium volume, whereas previously we were 
ceding a significant portion of our business through quota-share contracts with our reinsurer.  

First Guard is a brilliant gem of a company because its founder is a brilliant manager. Ed has 
developed a team that is first rate: talented, seasoned and profit-minded. That, for sure, gives me the 
confidence  to  expect  First  Guard  to  grow  larger  and  more  profitable  under  the  Biglari  Holdings’ 
aegis. 

Maxim Inc. 

We purchased a media business, Maxim — knowingly stepping into a maelstrom — with the 
expectation of incurring substantial short-term losses, the bulk of which we view as investments. The 
purchase  of  a  troubled  company  with  a  core  business,  print  publishing,  in  an  industry  with 
deteriorating  economics  is  not  for  the  faint  of  heart.  If  the  tides  are  too  tough,  the  abilities  of  the 
swimmer  become  irrelevant.  With  that  in  mind,  we  purchased  Maxim  for  its  brand,  intending  to 
reposition  it  and  transform  its  business  model.  The  magazine  developed  the  Maxim  brand,  an 
underexploited  franchise  we  are  utilizing  to  build  cash-generating  businesses,  especially  licensing 
royalties related to consumer products, services, and events.  

To implement our underlying concept, substantial investments have been necessary, initially 
to reposition Maxim as an inspirational and aspirational brand projecting style and sophistication. We 
have vastly improved the quality of the Maxim brand, which has resulted in our appealing to a more 
affluent audience. Maxim as a men’s luxury lifestyle brand is resonating.  

Our  operating  philosophy  is  to  view  all  expenses  as  variable.  Thus,  we  have  made  radical 
adjustments  in  operations,  both  in  print  and  in  digital,  to  reduce  the  fixed  costs  inherent  in  the 
business. We have formed a talented team who think creatively and who are also cost-conscious.  

Since  our  acquisition,  the  company  has  reported  an  aggregate  pre-tax  loss  of  $39  million. 
Because  of  the  tax  efficiency  emanating  from  the  holding  company  —  created  by  the  significant 
taxable income generated by our other subsidiaries — the after-tax impact has been approximately 
$25 million. In last year’s annual report I stated: “Our expectation is for Maxim to become profitable 
during 2016. Nevertheless, our pathway to profit, we anticipate, will be highly irregular.” Although 
current trends are not to be envied, we believe Maxim will become profitable in late 2016. Do note 
that our aim is not to create earnings, but to create wealth.  Consequently, wealth would be created 
only if the discounted value of future cash flows exceeds the cash outlay in the early years. We have 
taken  the  risk  on  the  belief  that  the  probability  for  gain  in  value  more  than  justifies  the  risk 
of loss. 

Shareholder Communications 

My  communications  with  shareholders  are  generally  limited  to  the  annual  report  and  the 
annual  meeting.  We  do  not  provide  earnings  guidance,  nor  do  we  hold  quarterly  conference  calls 
because  neither  activity  would  be  consistent  with  managing  our  entrepreneurial  enterprise.  On  the 
other hand, we wish to provide all shareholders simultaneously with the same information. One-on-
one meetings are neither productive nor practicable.  

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My aim in this report is to impart as much about our company as reasonable and necessary to 
supply the information needed to arrive at your own estimate of the intrinsic value of the company. 
Past  Chairman’s  Letters  are  also  important  in  that  they  help  you  gain  more  knowledge  of  the 
business.  They  can  also  assist  in  your  evaluating  our  prior  expectations  against  results.  Because 
Biglari  Holdings  has  evolved  over  the  years,  it  is  quite  different  in  its  diversity  of  assets  from  its 
former self. These letters can be easily accessed on our website, biglariholdings.com.  

To keep abreast of the company, we will then issue press releases concerning 2016 quarterly 
results after the market closes on May 6, August 5, and November 4. The 2016 annual report will be 
posted on our website on Saturday, February 25, 2017. 

Our annual meeting will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 7, 2016 in New York City at 
the  St.  Regis  Hotel.  The  meeting  is  just  for  our  owners;  thus,  to  attend,  you  must  own  shares  and 
show  proof  thereof.  The  bulk  of  the  gathering  is  a  question-and-answer  session  that  usually  lasts 
about five hours, covering myriad topics on shareholders’ minds. Phil and I look forward to spending 
the  time  in  answering  your  questions.  We  find  the  annual  meeting  to  be  an  effective  channel  to 
communicate with you.  

* * * 

We readily acknowledge that the ethos and entrepreneurial style of Biglari Holdings are not 
for  everyone.  In  a  world  filled  with  hyper-orthodoxy,  Biglari  Holdings  represents  an  oasis  of 
unconventionality.  We  follow  our  own  individualistic  ideas  and  ideals  rather  than  find  refuge  in 
superficial conventions and conformity. Consequently, we seek owners to join our journey who find 
our policies agreeable and who intend to be invested for decades to come.  

Sardar Biglari  
Chairman of the Board 

February 18, 2016 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

  ANNUAL  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  13  OR  15(d)  OF  THE  SECURITIES  EXCHANGE 
ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 

or 

  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE 
ACT OF 1934 

For the transition period from ____ to ____ 

Commission file number 0-8445 

BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

INDIANA 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 

37-0684070 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

17802 IH 10 West, Suite 400 
San Antonio, Texas 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

78257 
(Zip Code) 

(210) 344-3400 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, stated value $.50 per share 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
New York Stock Exchange 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  
NONE 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes 

 No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during 
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for 
the past 90 days. Yes  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be 
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that 
the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 
registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-
K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the 
definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer   

Smaller reporting company  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes  No  

The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  voting  and  non-voting  common  stock  held  by  non-affiliates  of  the  registrant  as  of  June  30,  2015  was  approximately 
$686,120,384. 

As of February 15, 2016, 2,066,864 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this 
Form 10-K. 

 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 Table of Contents 

Part I 

  Page No. 

Item 1.  Business  ...........................................................................................................................................................    
Item 1A.  Risk Factors  ....................................................................................................................................................    
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments  ..........................................................................................................................    
Properties  ........................................................................................................................................................    
Item 2. 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings  ...........................................................................................................................................    
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures ..................................................................................................................................   

1   
4   
9   
10  
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11   

Part II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities  .............................................................................................................................................  
Selected Financial Data  ..................................................................................................................................    
Item 6. 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  ...................    
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  ....................................................................    
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ...........................................................................................    
Item 8. 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings  ...............................................................................................................   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  .......................................................................................   
Consolidated Balance Sheets  ............................................................................................................................   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  ..........................................................................................................   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity  .........................................................................   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  ....................................................................................................   
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  ..................    
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures  ...............................................................................................................................    
Item 9B.  Other Information  ..........................................................................................................................................    

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31  
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35   
   36   
37   
38   
39   
70   
70   
70   

Part III 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance  .........................................................................    
Item 11.  Executive Compensation  ................................................................................................................................    
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters  .........................................................................................................................................................  
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence  ........................................    
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services  .......................................................................................................    

71   
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71   

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  ...............................................................................................    

72   

Signatures  ...........................................................................................................................................................................    
Exhibit Index  ......................................................................................................................................................................    

73   
80   

Part IV 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Item 1. 

Business 

Part I 

Biglari Holdings Inc. is a  holding company owning  subsidiaries engaged in a  number of diverse business activities,  including 
media,  property  and  casualty  insurance,  and  restaurants.  The  Company’s  largest  operating  subsidiaries  are  involved  in  the 
franchising and operating of restaurants. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer of Biglari Holdings and its major operating subsidiaries. The Company’s long-term objective is to maximize  per-share 
intrinsic value. All major operating, investment, and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries 
by Mr. Biglari.   

In 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year-end moving from a 52 or 53 week 
fiscal year ending on the last Wednesday in September to a calendar year ending on December 31 of each year. This form 10-K 
includes an audited statement of earnings, statement of comprehensive income, statement of cash flows and statement of changes 
in shareholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2015, transition period for September 25, 2014 to December 31, 2014 
(the “2014 transition period”) and fiscal years ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, and an audited balance sheet 
as  of  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  Fiscal  years  2014  and  2013  each  contained  52  weeks.  For  comparative  purposes,  an 
unaudited  statement  of  earnings,  statement  of  comprehensive  income  and  statement  of  cash  flows  have  been  included  for 
September  26,  2013  to  December  31,  2013  (the  “2013  transition  period”).    The  comparative  transition  period  has  not  been 
audited and is derived from the books and records of the Company. In the opinion of management, the comparative transition 
period reflects all adjustments necessary to present the financial position and results of operations of the Company in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles. 

The  Lion  Fund  II,  L.P.,  a  private  investment  partnership  of  which  Mr.  Biglari  controls  the  general  partner,  purchased  24,000 
shares of Biglari Holdings common stock from January 4, 2016 through February 3, 2016. As a result of these purchases, Mr. 
Biglari’s beneficial ownership of the outstanding common stock is approximately 50.6%. 

Restaurant Operations 
The Company’s restaurant operations’ activities are conducted through two restaurant concepts operated by subsidiaries Steak n 
Shake Inc. (“Steak n Shake”) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western”). As of December 31, 2015, Steak n Shake operated 
417 company-operated restaurants and 144 franchised units. Western operated 4 company-operated restaurants and 66 franchised 
units. 

Steak n Shake is engaged in the ownership, operation, and franchising of Steak n Shake restaurants. Founded in 1934 in Normal, 
Illinois, Steak n Shake is a classic American brand serving premium burgers and milkshakes. Steak n Shake is headquartered in 
Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Western is engaged primarily in the franchising of restaurants.  Founded in 1962 in Augusta, Georgia, Western offers signature 
steak  dishes  as  well  as  other  classic  American  menu  items.  Western  also  operates  other  concepts,  Great  American  Steak  & 
Buffet,  and  Wood  Grill  Buffet  consisting  of  hot  and  cold  food  buffet  style  dining.  Western  is  headquartered  in  Roanoke, 
Virginia. 

Operations 
A typical restaurant’s management team consists of a general manager, a restaurant manager and other managers depending on 
the operating complexity and sales volume of the restaurant. Each restaurant’s general manager has primary responsibility for the 
day-to-day  operations  of  his  or  her  unit.    Restaurant  operations  obtain  food  products  and  supplies  from  independent  national 
distributors. Purchases are centrally negotiated to ensure uniformity in product quality.  

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchising 
Restaurant  operations’  franchising  program  extends  the  brands  to  areas  in  which  there  are  no  current  development  plans  for 
Company  stores.    The  expansion  plans  include  seeking  qualified  new  franchisees  and  expanding  relationships  with  current 
franchisees.  

Restaurant operations typically seek franchisees with both the financial resources necessary to fund successful development and 
significant  experience  in  the  restaurant/retail  business.  Both  restaurant  chains  assist  franchisees  with  the  development  and 
ongoing operation of their restaurants. In addition, personnel assist franchisees with site selection, approve restaurant sites, and 
provide prototype plans, construction support and specifications.  Restaurant operations’ staff provides both on-site and off-site 
instruction to franchised restaurant management and associates. Moreover, Steak n Shake franchised restaurants are required to 
serve only approved menu items.  

International 
We have a corporate office in Monaco to support expansion of Steak n Shake in the Middle East and Europe. We have developed 
an international organization with personnel in various functions to support international efforts. As of December 31, 2015 we 
have two company-operated locations in Europe to promote the Steak n Shake brand to prospective franchisees. Similar to our 
domestic  franchise  agreements,  a  typical  international  franchise  development  agreement  provides  the  vehicle  for  payment  of 
development  fees and franchise  fees in addition to subsequent royalty fees based on the  gross sales of each restaurant.  As of 
December 31, 2015 Steak n Shake operated eight franchise units in Europe and the Middle East.   

Competition 
The restaurant business is one of the  most intensely competitive  industries.  As there are virtually no barriers to entry into the 
restaurant business, competitors may include national, regional and local establishments. There may be established competitors 
with financial and other resources that are greater than the Company’s  restaurant operations capabilities. Restaurant businesses 
compete  on  the  basis  of  price,  menu,  food  quality,  location,  personnel  and  customer  service.  The  restaurant  business  is  often 
affected by changes in consumer tastes and by national, regional, and local economic conditions.  The performance of individual 
restaurants may be impacted by factors such as traffic patterns, demographic trends, severe weather conditions, and  competing 
restaurants.  Additional  factors that  may adversely affect the  restaurant industry include,  but are not limited to, food and  wage 
inflation, safety, and food-borne illness.  

Government regulations 
The Company is subject to various global, federal, state and local laws affecting its restaurant operations.  Each of the restaurants 
must comply with licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, sanitation, safety and 
fire agencies in the jurisdiction in which  the restaurant is located.  In addition, each restaurant must comply with various laws 
that  regulate  the  franchisor/franchisee  relationship,  employment  and  pay  practices  and  child  labor  laws.  To  date,  none  of  the 
Company’s restaurant operations have been materially adversely affected by such laws or been affected by any difficulty, delay 
or failure to obtain required licenses or approvals. 

Trademark and licenses 
The  name  and  reputation  of  Steak  n  Shake  is  a  material  asset  and  management  protects  it  and  other  service  marks  through 
appropriate registrations.   

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Business 
Our  insurance  business  is  composed  of  First  Guard  Insurance  Company  and  its  agency,  1st  Guard  Corporation  (collectively 
“First Guard”),  which  we  acquired on March 19, 2014.  First Guard is a  direct underwriter of commercial trucking insurance, 
selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. First Guard is headquartered in Venice, Florida.  

First  Guard  competes  for  truck  insurance  with  other  companies.  The  trucking  insurance  business  is  highly  competitive  in  the 
areas of price and service. Vigorous competition is provided by large, well-capitalized companies and by small regional insurers. 
First Guard’s insurance products are marketed primarily through direct response methods via the Internet or by telephone.  First 
Guard’s cost-efficient direct response marketing methods enable it to be a low-cost trucking insurer.   First Guard uses its own 
claim staff to manage claims. Seasonal variations in First Guard’s insurance business are not significant. However, extraordinary 
weather conditions or other factors may have a significant effect upon the frequency or severity of claims. 

The  insurance  business  is  stringently  regulated  by  state  insurance  departments.  First  Guard  operates  under  licenses  issued  by 
various insurance authorities. Such supervision and regulation include matters relating to authorized lines of business, capital and 
surplus requirements, licensing of insurers, investments, the filing of annual and other financial reports prepared on the basis of 
Statutory  Accounting  Principles,  the  filing  and  form  of  actuarial  reports,  dividends,  and  a  variety  of  other  financial  and  non-
financial matters.  

Media Business 
Our media business is composed of Maxim.  We acquired certain assets and liabilities of Maxim on February 27, 2014.  Maxim’s 
business lies principally in media and licensing.  Maxim is headquartered in New York City, New York. 

Publishing  is  a  highly  competitive  business.  The  Company's  magazines  and  related  publishing  products  and  services  compete 
with other mass media, including the Internet and many other leisure-time activities. Competition for advertising dollars is based 
primarily on advertising rates, circulation levels, reader demographics, advertiser results, and sales team effectiveness.  

Maxim products are marketed under various registered brand names, including, but not limited to, “MAXIM®” and “Maxim®”. 

Investments 
The Company and its subsidiaries have invested in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively, “the investment 
partnerships”).  The investment partnerships operate as private investment funds.  As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of the 
investments  was  $734.7  million.    These  investments  are  subject  to  a  rolling  five-year  lock-up  period  under  the  terms  of  the 
respective partnership agreements.   

Employees 
The Company employs 22,958 persons. 

Additional information with respect to Biglari Holdings’ businesses 
Information related to our reportable segments may be found in Part II, Item 8 of this form 10-K. 

Biglari  Holdings  maintains  a  website  (www.biglariholdings.com)  where  its  annual  reports,  press  releases,  interim  shareholder 
reports  and  links  to  its  subsidiaries’  websites  can  be  found.    Biglari  Holdings’  periodic  reports  filed  with  the  Securities  and 
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which include form 10-K, form 10-Q, form 8-K and amendments thereto, may be accessed 
by the public free of charge from the SEC and through Biglari Holdings’ website. In addition, corporate governance documents 
such  as  Corporate  Governance  Guidelines,  Code  of  Conduct,  Governance,  Compensation  and  Nominating  Committee  Charter 
and Audit Committee Charter are posted on the Company’s website and are available without charge upon written request. The 
Company’s  website  and  the  information  contained  therein  or  connected  thereto  are  not  intended  to  be  incorporated  into  this 
report on form 10-K. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A. 

Risk Factors  

Biglari Holdings and its subsidiaries (referred to herein as “we,” us,” “our,” or similar expressions) are subject to certain risks 
and uncertainties in our business operations which are described below. The risks and  uncertainties described below are not the 
only  risks  we  face.  Additional  risks  and  uncertainties  not  presently  known  or  that  are  currently  deemed  immaterial  may  also 
impair our business operations. 

Risks relating to Biglari Holdings 

We are dependent on our Chairman and CEO. 
Our success depends on the services of Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. All major operating, investment, 
and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Mr. Biglari. If for any reason the services of 
Mr. Biglari were to become unavailable, a material adverse effect on our business could occur.  At that time, the Company may 
owe significant amounts of money to Mr. Biglari pursuant to the terms of a license agreement.  Taken as a whole, the liabilities 
imposed  by  the  license  agreement  connected  to  the  loss  of  Mr.  Biglari  may  materially  impact  the  Company  in  an  adverse 
manner.  

Sardar Biglari, our Chairman and CEO, exercises over 50% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock, 
enabling Mr. Biglari to exert control over matters requiring shareholder approval.  
Sardar Biglari, Chairman and CEO, beneficially owns over 50% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Mr. Biglari thus has 
the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election of directors.  In 
addition, Mr. Biglari has the ability to control the management and affairs of the Company.  This  control position may conflict 
with the interests of some or all of the Company’s other shareholders. 

We may elect to be a controlled company. 
Because  Mr.  Biglari  beneficially  owns  more  than  50%  of  the  Company’s  outstanding  voting  stock,  we  are  considered  a 
“controlled company” pursuant to New York Stock Exchange rules. As a result, while we have not done so, we may elect not to 
comply  with  the  following  corporate  governance  requirements  of  the  New  York  Stock  Exchange:  (i)  majority  of  independent 
directors, (ii) fully independent nominating committee and (iii) fully independent compensation committee. 

Our historical growth rate is not indicative of our future growth. 
When  evaluating  our  historical  growth  and  prospects  for  future  growth,  it  is  important  to  consider  that  while  our  business 
philosophy has remained constant our mix of business has changed and will continue to change. Our dynamic business model 
makes it difficult to assess our prospects for future growth.  Restrictions on our access to capital described further below may 
also adversely affect our ability to execute our plans for future growth. 

Biglari Holdings’ access to capital is subject to restrictions that may adversely affect its ability to satisfy its cash requirements 
or implement its growth strategy. 
We are a holding company and are largely dependent upon dividends and other sources of funds from our subsidiaries in order to 
meet  our  needs.  Steak  n  Shake’s  credit  facility  contains  restrictions  on  its  ability  to  pay  dividends  to  Biglari  Holdings.    In 
addition, the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to Biglari Holdings is regulated by state insurance laws, which 
limit the amount of, and in certain circumstances may prohibit the payment of, cash dividends. Furthermore, as a result of our 
substantial investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P., investment partnerships controlled by Mr. Biglari, 
our access to capital is restricted by the terms of their respective partnership agreements, as described more fully below.  There is 
also  a  high  likelihood  that  we  will  make  additional  investments  in  these  investment  partnerships.    Taken  together,  these 
restrictions  may result in our  having insufficient  funds to satisfy our cash requirements.    As a result,  we  may  need to look to 
other sources of capital which may be more expensive or may not be available. 

Competition. 
Each of our operating businesses faces intense competitive pressure within the markets in which they operate. Competition may 
arise  domestically  as  well  as  internationally.  While  we  manage  our  businesses  with  the  objective  of  achieving  long-term 
sustainable growth by developing and strengthening competitive advantages, many factors, including market changes, may erode 
or  prevent  the  strengthening  of  competitive  advantages.    Accordingly,  future  operating  results  will  depend  to  some  degree  on 
whether our operating units are successful in protecting or enhancing their competitive advantages. If our operating businesses 
are unsuccessful in these efforts, our periodic operating results may decline from current levels in the future.  We also highlight 
certain competitive risks in the sections below.  

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unfavorable domestic and international economic, societal and political conditions could hurt our operating businesses. 
To the extent that the recovery from the economic recession continues to be slow or the economy worsens for a prolonged period 
of time, one or more of our significant operations could be materially harmed. In addition,  our restaurant operations depend on 
having access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates. To the extent that access to credit is restricted or 
the cost of funding increases, our business could be adversely affected. 

Our operating businesses face a variety of risks associated with doing business in foreign markets. 
There  is no assurance that our international operations  will be profitable. Our international operations are  subject to all of the 
risks associated with our domestic operations, as well as a number of additional risks, varying substantially country by country. 
These include, inter alia, international economic and political conditions, corruption, terrorism, social and ethnic unrest, foreign 
currency fluctuations, differing cultures and consumer preferences. Our expansion into international  markets could also create 
risks to our brands. 

In  addition,  we  may  become  subject  to  foreign  governmental  regulations  that  impact  the  way  we  do  business  with  our 
international franchisees and vendors. These include antitrust and tax requirements, anti-boycott regulations, international trade 
regulations, the USA Patriot Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and applicable local law. Failure to comply with any such 
legal requirements could subject us to monetary liabilities and other sanctions, which could harm our business and our financial 
condition. 

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could decrease the value of our brand and products. 
The  success  of  our  business  depends  on  the  continued  ability  to  use  the  existing  trademarks,  service  marks,  and  other 
components of our brand to increase brand awareness and further develop branded products. While we take steps to protect our 
intellectual property, our rights to our trademarks could be challenged by third parties or our use of these trademarks may result 
in liability for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, or unfair competition, adversely affecting our profitability. We may 
also  become  subject  to  these  risks  in  the  international  markets  in  which  we  operate  and  in  which  we  plan  to  expand.    Any 
impairment of our intellectual property or brands, including due to changes in U.S. or foreign intellectual property laws or the 
absence  of  effective  legal  protections  or  enforcement  measures,  could  adversely  impact  our  business,  financial  condition  and 
results of operations.  

Litigation could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows and results of operations. 
We are or may be from time to time a party to various legal actions, investigations and other proceedings brought by employees, 
consumers,  policyholders,  suppliers,  shareholders,  government  agencies  or  other  third  parties  in  connection  with  matters 
pertaining to our business, including related to our investment activities. The outcome of such matters is often difficult to assess 
or quantify and the cost to defend future proceedings may be significant. Even if a claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, 
the negative publicity surrounding any negative allegation regarding our Company, our business or our products could adversely 
affect our reputation. While we believe that the ultimate outcome of routine legal proceedings individually and in the aggregate 
will not have a material impact on our financial position, we cannot assure that an adverse outcome on, or reputational damage 
from, any of these matters would not, in fact, materially impact our business and results of operations for the period when these 
matters are completed or otherwise resolved. 

Certain agreements with our Chairman and CEO may have an adverse effect on our financial position. 
We have entered into a license agreement with Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, under which Mr. Biglari 
has granted the Company an exclusive license to use his name when connected to the provision of certain products and services, 
as well as a sublicense agreement with Steak n Shake that, inter alia, grants Steak n Shake the right to use the trademark “Steak n 
Shake by Biglari.” In the event of a change of control of the Company or Mr. Biglari’s termination without cause or resignation 
following specified occurrences, including (1) his removal  as Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer or (2) his no 
longer  maintaining  sole  capital  allocation  authority,  Mr.  Biglari  would  be  entitled  to  receive  revenue-based  royalty  payments 
related  to  the  usage  of  his  name  under  the  terms  of  the  license  agreement  for  a  defined  period  of  no  less  than  five  years. 
Revenue-based  royalties  derived  from  Steak  n  Shake’s  restaurants  (including  Company  operated  and  franchised  locations), 
products and brands would be included in calculating these royalty payments, which would thus represent significant liability for 
the Company. A change of control would also enable franchisees to terminate their franchise agreement with us. In addition, we 
have an incentive agreement with Mr. Biglari, in which he is entitled to receive performance-based annual incentive payments 
contingent on the growth of the Company’s adjusted book value in each  fiscal year. In the event of a change in control or Mr. 
Biglari’s termination without cause or resignation following specified occurrences, including (1) his removal as Chairman of the 
Board or Chief Executive Officer or (2) his no longer  maintaining sole capital allocation authority, Mr. Biglari  would receive 
specified payments thereunder. The combination of these provisions along with others referenced (e.g., contracts cancellable if 
Mr.  Biglari  is  no  longer  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer)  all  together  could  discourage  a  third  party  from  pursuing  a 
change of control transaction involving us. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks Relating to Our Restaurant Operations 

Our restaurant operations face intense competition from a wide range of industry participants. 
The restaurant business is one of the  most competitive industries. As there are virtually no barriers to entry into the restaurant 
business,  competitors  may  include  national,  regional  and  local  establishments.  There  may  be  established  competitors  with 
financial  and  other  resources  that  are  greater  than  the  Company’s  restaurant  operations  capabilities.  Restaurant  businesses 
compete  on  the  basis  of  price,  menu,  food  quality,  location,  personnel  and  customer  service.  The  restaurant  business  is  often 
affected by changes in consumer tastes and by national, regional, and local economic conditions. The performance of individual 
restaurants may be impacted by factors such as traffic patterns, demographic trends, severe weather conditions, and competing 
restaurants.  Additional  factors that  may adversely affect the  restaurant industry include,  but are not limited to, food and  wage 
inflation, safety, and food-borne illness. 

Changes in economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our restaurant operations. 
Our restaurant operations are subject to normal economic cycles affecting the economy in general or the restaurant industry in 
particular. The restaurant industry has been affected by economic factors, including the deterioration of global, national, regional 
and  local  economic  conditions,  declines  in  employment  levels,  and  shifts  in  consumer  spending  patterns.  The  disruptions 
experienced in the global economy and volatility in the financial markets have reduced, and may continue to reduce, consumer 
confidence in the economy, negatively affecting consumer restaurant spending, which could be harmful to our financial position 
and  results  of  operations.  As  a  result,  decreased  cash  flow  generated  from  our  business  may  adversely  affect  our  financial 
position and our ability to fund our operations. In addition, macroeconomic disruptions could adversely impact the availability of 
financing for our franchisees’ expansions and operations. 

Our  cash  flows  and  financial  position  could  be  negatively  impacted  if  we  are  unable  to  comply  with  the  restrictions  and 
covenants in Steak n Shake’s debt agreements. 
The Company’s subsidiaries currently maintain debt instruments, including Steak n Shake’s credit agreement, dated as of March 
19, 2014, with the lenders party thereto. Covenants in the debt agreements impose operating and financial restrictions, including 
requiring operating  subsidiaries to  maintain certain financial ratios and thereby  restricting, among other things, their ability to 
incur  additional  indebtedness  and  make  distributions  to  the  Company.  Their  failure  to  comply  with  these  covenants  and 
restrictions could constitute an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result, among other things, in the acceleration 
of their indebtedness, which could negatively impact our operations and business and may also significantly affect our ability to 
obtain additional or alternative financing. In such event, our cash flows may not be sufficient to fully repay this indebtedness and 
we cannot assure you that we would be able to refinance or restructure this debt. In addition, the restrictions contained in  these 
debt instruments could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, acquisitions or investments. 

Steak  n  Shake’s ability to  make payments on  its credit  facility and to  fund operations depends on  its ability to generate cash, 
which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors  that are  beyond our control.  Steak n 
Shake may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service this debt or to fund its other liquidity needs. 

Fluctuations in commodity and energy prices and the availability of commodities, including beef, fried products, poultry, and 
dairy, could affect our restaurant business. 
The cost, availability and quality of ingredients  restaurant  operations use to prepare their food is subject to a range of factors, 
many  of  which  are  beyond  their  control.  A  significant  component  of  our  restaurant  business’  costs  is  related  to  food 
commodities, including beef, fried products, poultry, and dairy products, which can be subject to significant price  fluctuations 
due  to seasonal shifts, climate conditions,  industry demand, changes in international commodity  markets, and other  factors. If 
there  is  a  substantial  increase  in  prices  for  these  food  commodities,  our  results  of  operations  may  be  negatively  affected.  In 
addition,  our  restaurants  are  dependent  upon  frequent  deliveries  of  perishable  food  products  that  meet  certain  specifications. 
Shortages or interruptions in the supply of perishable food products caused by unanticipated demand, problems in production or 
distribution,  disease  or  food-borne  illnesses,  inclement  weather,  or  other  conditions  could  adversely  affect  the  availability, 
quality, and cost of ingredients, which would likely lower revenues, damage our reputation, or otherwise harm our business. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adverse weather conditions or losses due to casualties could negatively impact our operating performance. 
Property damage caused by casualties and natural disasters, instances of inclement weather, flooding, hurricanes, fire, and other 
acts of nature can adversely impact sales in several ways. Many of Steak n Shake’s and Western’s restaurants are located in the 
Midwest and Southeast portions of the United States. During the first and  fourth quarters, restaurants in the Midwest may face 
harsh winter weather conditions. During the third and fourth quarters, restaurants in the Southeast may experience hurricanes or 
tropical storms. Our sales and operating results may be negatively affected by these harsh weather conditions, which could make 
it more difficult for guests to visit our restaurants, necessitate the closure of restaurants for a period of time or costly  repairs due 
to physical damage, or lead to a  shortage  of employees resulting  from unsafe road conditions or an evacuation of the general 
population. 

We are subject to health, employment, environmental, and other government regulations, and failure to comply with existing 
or future government regulations could expose us to litigation or penalties, damage our reputation, and lower profits. 
We are subject to various global, federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting our restaurant  operations. Changes in 
existing laws, rules and regulations applicable to us, or increased enforcement by  governmental authorities,  may require us to 
incur additional costs and expenses necessary for compliance. If we fail to comply with any of these laws, we may be subject to 
governmental action or litigation, and our reputation could be accordingly harmed. Injury to our reputation would, in turn, likely 
reduce revenues and profits. 

The development and construction of restaurants is subject to compliance with applicable zoning, land use, and environmental 
regulations.  Difficulties  in  obtaining,  or  failure  to  obtain,  the  required  licenses  or  approvals  could  delay  or  prevent  the 
development of a new restaurant in a particular area. 

In recent years, there has been an increased legislative, regulatory, and consumer focus on nutrition and advertising practices in 
the  food  industry.  As  a  result,  restaurant  operations  may  become  subject  to  regulatory  initiatives  in  the  area  of  nutrition 
disclosure or advertising, such as requirements to provide information about the nutritional content of our food products, which 
could increase expenses. The operation of the Steak n Shake and Western franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and 
regulations  enacted  by  a  number  of  states,  and  to  rules  promulgated  by  the  U.S.  Federal  Trade  Commission.  Any  future 
legislation regulating franchise relationships may negatively affect our operations, particularly our relationship with franchisees. 
Failure  to  comply  with  new  or  existing  franchise  laws  and  regulations  in  any  jurisdiction  or  to  obtain  required  government 
approvals could result in a ban or temporary suspension on future franchise sales. Further national, state and local government 
initiatives,  such  as  mandatory  health  insurance  coverage,  “living  wage”  or  other  proposed  increases  in  minimum  wage  rates 
could adversely affect our business. 

Risks Relating to Our Investment Activities 

Our  investment  activities  are  conducted  primarily  through  outside  investment  partnerships,  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  and  The 
Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively, the “investment partnerships”), which are controlled by Mr. Biglari. 
Our  investment  activities  are  conducted  mainly  through  these  outside  investment  partnerships.  Under  the  terms  of  their 
partnership agreements, each contribution made by the Company to the investment partnerships is subject to a five-year lock-up 
period,  and  any  distribution  upon  our  withdrawal  of  funds  will  be  paid  out  over  a  two-year  period  (and  may  be  paid  in-kind 
rather  than  in  cash,  thus  increasing  the  difficulty  of  liquidating  these  investments).  As  a  result  of  these  provisions  and  our 
consequent inability to access this capital for a defined period, our capital invested in the investment partnerships may be subject 
to an increased risk of loss of all or a significant portion of value, and we may become unable to meet our capital requirements.  
There is a high likelihood that we will make additional investments in these investment partnerships in the future. 

We  also  have  a  Shared  Services  Agreement  with  Biglari  Capital  Corp.  (“Biglari  Capital”),  general  partner  of  the  investment 
partnerships,  pursuant  to  which  we  agreed  to  provide  certain  services  to  Biglari  Capital  (e.g.,  use  of  space  at  our  corporate 
headquarters) in exchange  for a  6% hurdle rate  for the Company and its subsidiaries (as compared to a 5% hurdle rate  for all 
other  limited  partners),  above  which  Biglari  Capital  is  entitled  to  receive  an  incentive  reallocation  in  its  capacity  as  general 
partner  of  the  investment  partnerships.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  benefit,  if  any,  we  may  realize  from  this  increased 
hurdle  rate  will  enable  us  to  recoup  our  costs  incurred  in  performing  services  for  Biglari  Capital  under  the  Shared  Services 
Agreement. 

The incentive allocation to which Mr. Biglari, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Biglari Capital, general partner of the 
investment partnerships, is entitled under the terms of the respective partnership agreements is equal to 25% of the net profits 
allocated to the limited partners in excess of their applicable hurdle rate over the previous high-water mark.     

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our investments are unusually concentrated and fair values are subject to a loss in value. 
Our investments are predominantly held through the investment partnerships, which generally invest in common stocks. These 
investments are largely concentrated in the common stock of one investee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.  A significant 
decline in the major values of these investments may produce a large decrease in our consolidated shareholders’ equity and can 
have a material adverse effect on our consolidated book value per share and earnings. 

We are subject to the risk of possibly becoming an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. 
Because  we  are  a  holding  company  and  a  significant  portion  of  our  assets  may,  from  time  to  time,  consist  of  investments  in 
entities in which we do not have a controlling interest, we run the risk of inadvertently becoming an investment company, which 
would  require  us  to  register  under  the  Investment  Company  Act  of  1940,  as  amended  (the  “Investment  Company  Act”). 
Registered investment companies are subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulations relating to, among other 
things,  operating  methods,  management,  capital  structure,  dividends  and  transactions  with  affiliates.  Registered  investment 
companies  are  not  permitted  to  operate  their  business  in  the  manner  in  which  we  operate  our  business,  nor  are  registered 
investment companies permitted to have many of the relationships that we have with our affiliated companies. 

To avoid becoming and registering as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we monitor the value of our 
investments and structure transactions accordingly. As a result, we may structure transactions in a less advantageous manner than 
if  we  did not have Investment Company  Act concerns, or we  may avoid otherwise economically desirable transactions due to 
those concerns. In addition, events beyond our control, including significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of 
certain  of  our  publicly  traded  holdings  or  adverse  developments  with  respect  to  our  ownership  of  certain  of  our  subsidiaries, 
could result in our inadvertently becoming an investment company. If it were established that we were an investment company, 
there  would  be  a  risk,  among  other  material  adverse  consequences,  that  we  could  become  subject  to  monetary  penalties  or 
injunctive relief, or both, in an action brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), that we would be unable 
to  enforce  contracts  with  third  parties  or  that  third  parties  could  seek  to  obtain  rescission  of  transactions  with  us  undertaken 
during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company. 

Risks Relating to Our Insurance Business 

Our success depends on our ability to underwrite risks accurately and to charge adequate rates to policyholders. 
Our results of operations depend on our ability to underwrite and set rates accurately for risks assumed. A primary role of the 
pricing function is to ensure that rates are adequate to generate sufficient premiums to pay losses, loss adjustment expenses, and 
underwriting expenses, and earning a profit.  

Our  insurance  business  is  vulnerable  to  significant  catastrophic  property  loss,  which  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  its 
financial condition and results of operations. 
Our insurance business faces a significant risk of loss in the ordinary course of its business for property damage resulting from 
natural  disasters,  man-made  catastrophes  and  other  catastrophic  events.  These  events  typically  increase  the  frequency  and 
severity of commercial property claims. Because catastrophic loss events are by their nature unpredictable, historical results of 
operations may not be indicative of future results of operations, and the occurrence of claims from catastrophic events may result 
in significant volatility in our insurance business’ financial condition and results of operations from period to period. We attempt 
to manage our exposure to these events through reinsurance programs, although there is no assurance we will be successful in 
doing so. 

Inability to obtain reinsurance or to collect ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses could adversely affect our insurance 
business’s ability to write new policies. 
Our insurance business purchases reinsurance to help manage its exposure to risk. Under these ceded reinsurance arrangements, 
another  insurer  assumes  a  specified  portion  of  our  exposure  in  exchange  for  a  specified  portion  of  policy  premiums.  The 
availability, amount and cost of reinsurance depend on market conditions and may vary significantly. Thus, any decrease in the 
amount of this reinsurance will increase the risk of loss.  If our insurance business is unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance at a 
cost  it  deems  acceptable,  it  may  be  unwilling  to  bear  the  increased  risk  and  may  reduce  the  level  of  its  underwriting 
commitments. 

Ceded  reinsurance  does  not  discharge  our  insurance  business’  direct  obligations  under  the  policies  it  writes.  Our  insurance 
business remains liable to policyholders even if it is unable to obtain recoveries under which it believes it is entitled to receive 
under the reinsurance contracts. Losses may not be recovered from the reinsurers until claims are paid. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our  insurance  business  is  subject  to  extensive  existing  state,  local  and  foreign  governmental  regulations  that  restrict  its 
ability to do business and generate revenues. 
Our insurance business is subject to regulation in the jurisdictions in which it operates. These regulations may relate to, among 
other things, the types of business that can be written, the rates that can be charged for coverage, the level of capital and reserves 
that must be maintained, and restrictions on the types and size of investments that can be  placed. Regulations may also restrict 
the  timing  and  amount  of  dividend  payments.  Accordingly,  existing  or  new  regulations  related  to  these  or  other  matters  or 
regulatory actions imposing restrictions on our insurance business may adversely impact its results of operations.  

Risks Relating to Our Media Business 

Our media business faces significant competition from other magazine publishers and new forms of media, including digital 
media, and as a result our media business may not be able to improve its operating results.  
Our media business competes principally with other magazine publishers. The proliferation of choices available to consumers for 
information and entertainment has resulted in audience fragmentation and has negatively impacted overall consumer demand for 
print magazines and intensified competition with other magazine publishers for share of print magazine readership. Our media 
business  also  competes  with  digital  publishers  and  other  forms  of  media.  This  competition  has  intensified  as  a  result  of  the 
growing popularity of mobile devices and the shift in preference of some consumers from print media to digital media for the 
delivery and consumption of content.  

Our  media  business  derives  a  significant  percentage  of  its  revenues  from  advertising.  Competition  among  print  magazine  and 
digital publishers for advertising is primarily based on the circulation and readership of magazines and the number of visitors to 
websites, respectively,  and  the demographics of customers, advertising rates,  plus  the effectiveness of advertising sales teams. 
The  proliferation  of  new  platforms  available  to  advertisers,  combined  with  continuing  competition  from  print  platforms,  has 
impacted both the amount of advertising our media business is able to sell as well as the rates advertisers are willing to pay. Our 
media business’ ability to compete successfully for advertising also depends on its ability to prove the value of its advertising.  

Our pursuit of licensing opportunities for the Maxim brand may prove to be unsuccessful. 
The  transformation  of  the  business  depends  to  a  significant  degree  upon  its  ability  to  develop  new  licensing  agreements  to 
expand the Maxim brand.  However, these licensing efforts may be unsuccessful.  We may be unable to secure favorable terms 
for  future  licensing  arrangements,  which  could  lead  to,  among  other  things,  disputes  with  licensing  partners  that  hinder  our 
ability  to  grow  the  Maxim  brand.    Future  licensing  partners  may  also  fail  to  honor  their  contractual  obligations  or  take  other 
actions that  can diminish the  value of the Maxim brand.   Disputes could also arise that prevent or delay our ability to collect 
licensing  revenues  under  these  arrangements.  If  any  of  these  developments  occur  or  our  licensing  efforts  are  otherwise  not 
successful, the value and recognition of the Maxim brand, as well as the prospects of our media business, could be materially, 
adversely affected. 

Our media business is exposed to risks associated with weak economic conditions.  
Because magazines are generally discretionary purchases for consumers, circulation revenues are sensitive to general economic 
conditions  and  economic  cycles.  Certain  economic  conditions  such  as  general  economic  downturns,  including  periods  of 
increased inflation, unemployment levels, interest rates, gasoline and other energy prices, or declining consumer confidence, may 
negatively  impact  consumer  spending.  Reduced  consumer  spending  or  a  shift  in  consumer  spending  patterns  away  from 
discretionary  items  will  likely result in reduced demand  for our  media business’s  magazines and  may also require us to incur 
increased operating expenses.  

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2. 

Properties 

Restaurant Properties 
As of December 31, 2015, restaurant operations included 631 company-operated and franchised locations. Restaurant operations 
own  the  land  and  building  for  154  restaurants.    The  following  table  lists  the  locations  of  the  restaurants,  as  of  December  31, 
2015. 

Steak n Shake 

Company- 
operated   Franchised   

  Western Sizzlin 
Company-
operated    Franchised    Total   

Domestic: 
Alabama  ..................................................................................    
Arizona .....................................................................................    
Arkansas ...................................................................................    
California  .................................................................................    
Colorado ...................................................................................    
Florida ......................................................................................    
Georgia .....................................................................................    
Illinois ......................................................................................    
Indiana ......................................................................................    
Iowa ..........................................................................................    
Kansas ......................................................................................    
Kentucky ..................................................................................    
Louisiana  .................................................................................    
Maryland ..................................................................................    
Michigan ..................................................................................    
Mississippi ................................................................................    
Missouri ....................................................................................    
Montana  ...................................................................................    
Nevada  .....................................................................................    
New Jersey ...............................................................................    
New York .................................................................................    
North Carolina ..........................................................................    
Ohio ..........................................................................................    
Oklahoma .................................................................................    
Pennsylvania.............................................................................    
South Carolina ..........................................................................    
Tennessee .................................................................................    
Texas ........................................................................................    
Utah  .........................................................................................    
Virginia ....................................................................................    
West Virginia ...........................................................................    
International: 
France  ......................................................................................    
Kuwait  .....................................................................................    
Italy  .........................................................................................    
Saudi Arabia  ............................................................................    
Spain  ........................................................................................    
Total  ........................................................................................    

2 
1 
— 
1 
2 
80 
23 
63 
68 
3 
— 
14 
— 
— 
19 
— 
39 
— 
— 
— 
1 
6 
63 
— 
6 
1 
9 
14 
— 
— 
— 

1 
— 
— 
— 
1 
417 

7 
  — 
2 
2 
2 
3 
17 
7 
3 
  — 
6 
4 
1 
1 
  — 
2 
24 
1 
2 
1 
  — 
7 
  — 
5 
4 
5 
11 
10 
1 
6 
2 

1 
2 
2 
1 
2 
144 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
3 
1 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
4 

6 
— 
16 
2 
— 
— 
7 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
1 
2 
— 
2 
1 
— 
— 
— 
— 
8 
1 
9 
— 
3 
4 
— 
— 
4 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
66 

15 
1 
18 
5 
4 
83 
47 
70 
71 
3 
6 
18 
2 
3 
19 
4 
64 
1 
2 
1 
1 
21 
64 
14 
10 
9 
24 
24 
1 
13 
3 

2 
2 
2 
1 
3 
  631 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings 

We are involved in various legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending. We believe, based on examination of 
these matters and experiences to date, that the ultimate liability, if any, in excess of amounts already provided in our consolidated 
financial statements is not likely to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.  

In 2013 two shareholders of the Company filed derivative actions putatively on behalf of the Company against the members of 
our  Board  of  Directors  in  the  United  States  District  Courts  for  the  Southern  District  of  Indiana  and  the  Western  District  of 
Texas.  The actions were consolidated in the Southern District of Indiana in 2014.  On March 18, 2015, the United States District 
Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  Indiana  granted  a  motion  to  dismiss  the  derivative  actions  in  favor  of  the  Company.   In 
addition, the Court issued judgment on all counts in favor of the Company and its directors.   

The  two  shareholders  appealed  the  Southern  District  of  Indiana  Court’s  March  18,  2015  decision.  On  February  17,  2016,  the 
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed the decision of the district court dismissing, in their entirety, all 
claims made against the Company and its Board of Directors. 

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

11 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Part II 

Item 5. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities 

Rights Offering 
On  September  12,  2014  and  September  16,  2013,  Biglari  Holdings  completed  offerings  of  transferable  subscription  rights, 
distributing one transferable subscription right (“Rights”) for each share of its common stock to shareholders.  Every five Rights 
entitled a shareholder to subscribe for one share of common stock at a price of $250.00 and $265.00, respectively.  Shareholders 
on the record date who fully exercised the Rights distributed to them were also entitled to subscribe for and purchase additional 
shares of common stock not purchased by other Rights holders through their basic subscription privileges.  The offerings were 
oversubscribed and 344,261 and 286,767 new shares of common  stock  were issued, respectively.  The Company received net 
proceeds  of  $85.9  million  and  $75.6  million  from  the  offerings,  respectively.    Including  the  issuance  of  the  newly  subscribed 
shares the Company had 2,066,691 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015.  

Market Information 
Biglari Holdings’ common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), trading symbol:  BH. The 
following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share, as reported on the NYSE List and adjusted for  the 2014 and 
2013 offerings of Rights during the periods indicated:  

Shareholders 
Biglari Holdings had 6,522 beneficial shareholders of its common stock at February 12, 2016.   

Dividends 
Biglari Holdings has not declared a cash dividend during 2015, the 2014 transition periods, or during fiscal years 2014 or 2013.  

12 

HighLowFirst Quarter.......................................................................................................................................440.00$        394.87$        Second Quarter...................................................................................................................................425.79          344.99          Third Quarter......................................................................................................................................448.00          364.94          Fourth Quarter....................................................................................................................................385.96          325.82          2015 HighLowTransition Period................................................................................................................................399.51$         $        320.95 2014  HighLowFirst quarter .......................................................................................................................................460.28$         $        381.26 Second quarter ...................................................................................................................................482.14                     384.05 Third quarter .....................................................................................................................................430.82                     378.03 Fourth quarter ...................................................................................................................................415.97                     338.88 Fiscal Year 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Graph 
The  graph  below  matches  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.'s  cumulative  5-year  total  shareholder  return  on  its  common  stock  with  the 
cumulative  total  returns  of  the  S&P  500  Index  and  the  S&P  Restaurants  Index.  The  graph  tracks  the  performance  of  a  $100 
investment  in  our  common  stock  and  in  each  index  (with  the  reinvestment  of  all  dividends)  from  September  30,  2010  to 
December 31, 2015. 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN 
Among Biglari Holdings Inc., the S&P 500 Index  
and the S&P Restaurants Index 

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0
9/30/10

9/30/11

9/30/12

9/30/13

9/30/14

9/30/15

12/31/15

Biglari Holdings Inc.

S&P 500

S&P Restaurants

Copyright© 2016 S&P, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. All rights reserved. 

The preceding stock price performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” 
with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the Securities Exchange Act 
of  1934,  as  amended,  or  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as  amended,  except  to  the  extent  that  we  specifically  incorporate  it  by 
reference into such filings. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans 
The  “Equity  Compensation  Plan  Information”  required  by  Item  201(d)  of  Regulation  S-K  will  be  contained  in  our  definitive 
Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed on or before April 29, 2016, and such information is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.    

Selected Financial Data 

(dollars in thousands except per share data) 

14 

201520142013Revenue: Total revenues .......................................................................................................861,452$      224,450$      204,442$      Earnings:Net (loss) earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. .......................................(15,843)$       91,050$        18,949$        Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (1) ...............(10.18)$         48.49$          11.05$          Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (1) ............(10.18)$         48.45$          11.03$          Year-end data:Total assets ...........................................................................................................1,003,918$   1,314,791$   1,010,356$   Long-term notes payable and other borrowings ...................................................298,950        312,595        199,601        Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity ............................................................451,372$      725,551$      587,885$      Transition Period(1)Earningspershareofcommonstockisbasedontheweightedaveragenumberofsharesoutstandingduringtheperiod.Forfinancialreportingpurposesandforpurposesofcomputingtheweightedaveragecommonsharesoutstanding,thesharesofCompanystockattributabletotheunrelatedlimitedpartnersoftheinvestmentpartnerships-basedontheirproportionalownershipduringtheperiod-are considered outstanding shares.Revenue: Total revenues .................................................................................................793,811$             755,822$  740,207$ 709,200$  Earnings:Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. ................................................28,804$              140,271$    21,593$     34,565$     Basic earnings per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (1) ..........................16.85$                  90.89$        13.92$        22.35$        Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (1) ........................16.82$                  90.69$        13.88$        22.23$        Year-end data:Total assets .....................................................................................................1,174,732$         988,543$  773,787$ 672,860$  Long-term notes payable and other borrowings ................................................315,196                216,747      230,603    217,483      Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity ..........................................................638,717$            564,589$  349,125$  279,678$  Fiscal 2011(2)(3)52 Weeks EndedFiscal 2012(2)(3)  Fiscal 2014(2)(4)Fiscal 2013(2)(4)(1)Earningspershareofcommonstockisbasedontheweightedaveragenumberofsharesoutstandingduringtheyear.Infiscalyear2014and2013theCompanycompletedrightsofferingsinwhich344,261and286,767newsharesofcommonstockwereissued,respectively.  The theoretical earnings per share have been retroactively restated for all years to give effect to the rights offerings.(2)Fiscalyears2014,2013,2012,and2011endedonSeptember24,2014,September25,2013,September26,2012,andSeptember28,2011, respectively. (3)ForfinancialreportingpurposesallcommonsharesoftheCompanyheldbytheconsolidatedaffiliatedpartnershipsarerecordedintreasurystockontheconsolidatedbalancesheet.Forpurposesofcomputingtheweightedaveragecommonsharesoutstanding,thesharesoftreasurystockattributabletotheunrelatedlimitedpartnersoftheconsolidatedaffiliatedpartnerships-basedontheirproportional ownership during the period - are considered outstanding shares.(4)Forfinancialreportingpurposesandforpurposesofcomputingtheweightedaveragecommonsharesoutstanding,thesharesofCompanystockattributabletotheunrelatedlimitedpartnersoftheinvestmentpartnerships-basedontheirproportionalownershipduring the period - are considered outstanding shares. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

(dollars in thousands except per share data) 

Biglari Holdings Inc. is a  holding company owning  subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities,  including 
media,  property  and  casualty  insurance,  and  restaurants.  The  Company’s  largest  operating  subsidiaries  are  involved  in  the 
franchising and operating of restaurants. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer of Biglari Holdings  and its major operating subsidiaries. The Company’s long-term objective is to maximize  per-share 
intrinsic value. All major operating, investment, and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries 
by Mr. Biglari. 

We are comparing calendar year 2015 to calendar 2014, the 2014 transition period to the 2013 transition period, and fiscal year 
2014 to fiscal year 2013.   Calendar year 2014 and the 2013 transition period are unaudited.  Calendar year 2014 is not included 
in the consolidated financial statements, but is included herein for comparison purposes to calendar year 2015. 

Net  earnings  attributable  to  Biglari  Holdings  shareholders  are  disaggregated  in  the  table  that  follows.    Amounts  are  recorded 
after deducting income taxes.   

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Business and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the 
notes thereto included in this form 10-K. The following discussion should also be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Note 
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, Risk Factors set forth above.   

15 

 2015  2014  2014  2013  2014  2013 Operating businesses:Restaurant .........................................26,985$       18,285$      6,857$         6,537$        17,965$       21,361$      Insurance ...........................................2,313           1,559          595              -              964              -              Media ................................................(11,459)        (13,404)       (3,455)          -              (9,949)          -              Other .................................................197              1,068          (58)               (27)              1,099           5,382          Total operating businesses ...................18,036         7,508          3,939           6,510          10,079         26,743        Corporate .............................................(8,309)          (5,502)         (2,051)          (2,060)         (5,511)          (12,515)       Investment gains ...................................-               18,305        -               -              18,305         115,568      Investment partnership gains (losses) ..(18,168)        87,991        91,191         15,516        12,316         14,537        Interest expense on notes payable .......(7,402)          (7,397)         (2,029)          (1,017)         (6,385)          (4,062)         (15,843)$      100,905$    91,050$       18,949$      28,804$       140,271$    Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
Restaurants 

Our  restaurant  businesses,  which  include  Steak  n  Shake  and  Western,  comprise  631  company-operated  and  franchised 
restaurants as of December 31, 2015. 

The term “same-store sales” refers to the sales of company-operated units open at least 18 months at the beginning of the current 
period  and  have  remained  open  through  the  end  of  the  period.    Same-store  traffic  measures  the  number  of  patrons  who  walk 
through the same units. 

Restaurant operations 2015 compared to 2014 

Restaurant operations for 2015 and 2014 are summarized below. 

16 

Company- operatedFranchisedCompany-operatedFranchisedTotalTotal stores as of September 25, 2013 .......................415             104             4                 82               605             Net restaurants opened (closed) .................................1                 20               -              (11)             10               Total stores as of September 24, 2014 .......................416             124             4                 71               615             Net restaurants opened (closed) .................................1                 4                 -              (3)               2                 Total stores as of December 31, 2014 ........................417             128             4                 68               617             Net restaurants opened (closed) .................................-              16               -              (2)               14               Total stores as of December 31, 2015 .....................417             144             4                 66               631             Steak n ShakeWestern Sizzlin 2015  2014 RevenueNet sales ...............................................................................................799,660$           769,738$           Franchise royalties and fees ..................................................................16,428               15,931               Other revenue .......................................................................................3,650                 3,692                 Total revenue ...........................................................................................819,738             789,361             Restaurant cost of salesCost of food ..........................................................................................232,271             29.0%232,224             30.2%Restaurant operating costs ...................................................................379,632             47.5%363,669             47.2%Rent ......................................................................................................17,384               2.2%17,048               2.2%Total cost of sales ....................................................................................629,287             612,941             Selling, general and administrativeGeneral and administrative ...................................................................62,055               7.6%65,022               8.2%Marketing .............................................................................................46,050               5.6%42,361               5.4%Other expenses .....................................................................................7,590                 0.9%6,226                 0.8%Total selling, general and administrative 115,695             14.1%113,609             14.4%Depreciation and amortization ................................................................23,736               2.9%24,091               3.1%Interest on obligations under leases .........................................................9,422                 9,685                 Earnings before income taxes ...................................................................41,598               29,035               Income tax expense ..................................................................................14,613               10,750               Net earnings .............................................................................................26,985$             18,285$             Cost of food, restaurant operating costs and rent expense are expressed as a percentage of net sales.General and administrative, marketing, other expenses and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales during 2015 were $799,660 representing an increase of $29,922 when compared to 2014. The increased performance of 
our restaurant operations was largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales.  Steak n Shake’s same-store sales during 2015 
increased 3.6% whereas customer traffic increased by 1.8% during 2015.   

Franchise royalties and fees increased 3.1% in 2015 as compared to those in 2014.  Steak n Shake opened 22 franchise units and 
closed  six franchise  units during 2015.  The  increases in 2015 are primarily attributable to the  opening of new Steak n  Shake 
units.  The percentage increase over 2014 was offset by forfeited area development fees realized in the first quarter of 2014. 

Cost of food in 2015 was $232,271 or 29.0% of net sales, compared to $232,224 or 30.2% of net sales in 2014.  The decrease as 
a percent of sales during 2015 was primarily attributable to lower beef costs and change in menu mix. 

Restaurant  operating  costs  during  2015  were  $379,632 or 47.5%  of  net  sales,  compared  to  $363,669 or  47.2%  of  net  sales  in 
2014.  The increased costs were  mainly based on higher sales.  Costs as a percent of sales increased principally due to higher 
wages and benefits.  Costs as a percent of sales during 2015 remained relatively constant compared to 2014. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses during 2015 were $115,695 or 14.1% of total revenues.  General and administrative 
expenses decreased by $2,967 during 2015 primarily due to decreased personnel expenses.   Marketing  increased by $3,689 in 
2015 compared to 2014 primarily related to commissions paid for third party gift card sales.   

Interest  on  obligations  under  leases  was  $9,422  during  2015,  versus  $9,685  during  2014.    The  total  obligations  under  leases 
outstanding at December 31, 2015 were $95,965, compared to $104,561 at December 31, 2014. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant operations 2014 transition period compared to 2013 transition period 

Earnings of our restaurant operations for the transition periods are summarized below. 

Net sales during the 2014 transition period were $210,256, an increase of $9,849 over the 2013 transition period.  The increased 
performance of our restaurant operations was largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales.  Steak n Shake’s same-store 
sales increased 4.8% during the 2014 transition period, whereas customer traffic increased by 2.7%.   

Franchise royalties and fees increased 28.3% during the 2014 transition period.  The franchised units numbered 196 at December 
31, 2014, compared to 188 at December 31, 2013.  The increase in franchise fees is primarily attributable to newly franchised 
Steak n Shake stores which opened in the 2014 transition period and 2014 fiscal year.   

Cost of food in the 2014 transition period was $64,614 or 30.7% of net sales, compared to $58,826 or 29.4% of net sales in the 
2013 transition period.  The increase in costs as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to  higher beef costs during 
the 2014 transition period. 

Restaurant operating costs were $98,939 or 47.1% of net sales compared to $94,268 or 47.0% in the 2013 transition period.  The 
increased costs were mainly based on higher sales.  

Selling,  general  and  administrative  expense  of  $27,937  or  13.0%  of  total  revenues  in  the  2014  transition  period  remained 
relatively flat compared to $27,933 or 13.7% of total revenues in the 2013 transition period.     

Interest  on  obligations  under  leases  was  $2,577  during  the  2014  transition  period,  versus  $2,612  during  the  2013  transition 
period.  The total obligations under leases outstanding at December 31, 2014 were $104,561. 

18 

 2014  2013 RevenueNet sales ...............................................................................................210,256$           200,407$           Franchise royalties and fees ..................................................................4,076                 3,177                 Other revenue .......................................................................................1,316                 858                    Total revenue ...........................................................................................215,648             204,442             Restaurant cost of salesCost of food ..........................................................................................64,614               30.7%58,826               29.4%Restaurant operating costs ...................................................................98,939               47.1%94,268               47.0%Rent ......................................................................................................4,554                 2.2%4,579                 2.3%Total cost of sales ....................................................................................168,107             157,673             Selling, general and administrativeGeneral and administrative ...................................................................16,570               7.7%16,420               8.0%Marketing .............................................................................................9,844                 4.6%10,807               5.3%Other expenses .....................................................................................1,523                 0.7%706                    0.3%Total selling, general and administrative 27,937               13.0%27,933               13.7%Depreciation and amortization ................................................................6,461                 3.0%6,434                 3.1%Interest on obligations under leases .........................................................2,577                 2,612                 Earnings before income taxes ...................................................................10,566               9,790                 Income tax expense ..................................................................................3,709                 3,253                 Net earnings .............................................................................................6,857$               6,537$               Cost of food, restaurant operating costs and rent expense are expressed as a percentage of net sales.General and administrative, marketing, other expenses and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue. Transition Period  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant operations fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013 

Earnings of our restaurant operations for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 are summarized below. 

19 

20142013RevenueNet sales ...............................................................................................759,889$           736,968$           Franchise royalties and fees ..................................................................15,032               11,741               Other revenue .......................................................................................3,234                 3,210                 Total revenue ...........................................................................................778,155             751,919             Restaurant cost of salesCost of food ..........................................................................................226,436             29.8%218,199             29.6%Restaurant operating costs ...................................................................358,998             47.2%348,654             47.3%Rent ......................................................................................................17,073               2.2%16,150               2.2%Total cost of sales ....................................................................................602,507             583,003             Selling, general and administrativeGeneral and administrative ...................................................................64,872               8.3%56,485               7.5%Marketing .............................................................................................43,324               5.6%44,375               5.9%Other expenses .....................................................................................5,409                 0.7%4,458                 0.6%Total selling, general and administrative ..................................................113,605             105,318             Depreciation and amortization ................................................................24,064               3.1%24,882               3.3%Interest on obligations under leases .........................................................9,720                 9,829                 Earnings before income taxes ...................................................................28,259               28,887               Income tax expense ..................................................................................10,294               7,526                 Net earnings .............................................................................................17,965$             21,361$             Cost of food, restaurant operating costs and rent expense are expressed as a percentage of net sales.General and administrative, marketing, other expenses and depreciation and amortization are expressed as a percentage of total revenue.Fiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales during 2014 were $759,889, an increase of $22,921 over 2013.  The increased performance of our restaurant operations 
was largely driven by Steak n Shake’s same-store sales.  Steak n Shake’s same-store sales increased 2.9% during 2014, whereas 
customer traffic increased by 2.0%.   

Franchise royalties and fees increased 28.0% during 2014.  The franchised units numbered 195 at the end of 2014, compared to 
186 at the end of 2013.  The increase in franchise fees is primarily attributable to royalties by 41 newly franchised Steak n Shake 
stores which opened in 2013 and 2014.  Franchise royalties and fees increased 21.9% during 2013. However, franchise fees in 
conjunction  with  the  opening  of  the  franchised  stores  by  themselves  accounted  for  a  4.7%  increase  in  2013.    The  remaining 
17.2% increase is primarily attributable to royalties  from Steak n  Shake’s  newly franchised stores,  which opened in 2012 and 
2013.  

Cost of food in 2014 was $226,436 or 29.8% of net sales, compared with $218,199 or 29.6% of net  sales in 2013.  The higher 
costs  were  primarily  imputed  to  higher  sales.    The  price  of  beef  rose  during  2014;  however,  the  increased  costs  were  mostly 
offset by reductions in the prices of other commodities.  In 2013 higher revenues increased cost of food  by approximately $5.4 
million, and higher commodity prices impacted cost of food by approximately $3.2 million.  

Restaurant operating costs in 2014 were $358,998 or 47.2% of net sales compared to $348,654 or 47.3% in 2013.  The increased 
costs were mainly based on higher sales.   

Rent expense attributable to restaurant operations remained consistent at 2.2% of net sales, compared to those of the prior year.  

General  and  administrative  expenses  increased  from  $56,485  or  7.5%  of  total  revenues  in  2013  to  $64,872  or  8.3%  of  total 
revenues in 2014.  The increased costs were primarily attributable to higher compensation expense of $4.1 million and higher 
recruiting  and  legal  fees  of  $4.2  million  for  Steak  n  Shake’s  domestic  and  international  franchise  development.    Increased 
training in 2013  created a higher expense of $2.7 million, which was largely tied to franchise openings. Our  overall  efforts to 
franchise  the  Steak  n  Shake  concept  both  domestically  and  internationally  have  steadily  increased  general  and  administrative 
expenses.  

Marketing expense was $43,324 or 5.6% of total revenues in 2014, versus $44,375 or 5.9% of total revenues in 2013. 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $24,064 or 3.1% of total revenues in 2014, versus $24,882 or 3.3% of total revenues 
in 2013.  

Interest on obligations under leases was $9,720 during 2014, versus $9,829 during 2013.  Steak n Shake’s total obligations under 
leases  have  decreased  as  the  leases  mature.    The  total obligations  under  leases  outstanding  at  the  end  of  2014  and  2013  were 
$106,189 and $112,486, respectively. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance 

First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial trucking insurance, selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance 
to truckers.  Earnings of our insurance business are summarized below. 

On March 19, 2014, First Guard became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Biglari Holdings; thus, First Guard’s inclusion is from the 
acquisition  date  in  the  first  quarter  of  2014.   First  Guard’s  insurance  products  are  marketed  primarily  through  direct  response 
methods via the Internet or by telephone.  First Guard’s cost-efficient direct response marketing methods enable it to be a low-
cost trucking insurer. 

Premiums  written  during  2015  was  $16,719,  an  increase  of  $8,000  compared  to  2014.  On  September  1,  2014  and  2015,  we 
substantially reduced insurance premiums ceded to our reinsurer through quota-share contracts. 

Pre-tax  underwriting  gain  was  $3,357  in  2015  compared  to  $1,797  in  2014,  an  increase  of  86.8%.    The  increase  in  pre-tax 
underwriting gain was mainly based on higher net premiums written.   

21 

 2015  2014 Premiums written ...................................................................................................................16,719$             8,719$               Insurance losses .....................................................................................................................10,454               4,709                 Underwriting expenses ...........................................................................................................2,908                 2,213                 Pre-tax underwriting gain........................................................................................................3,357                 1,797                 Other income and expensesCommissions .......................................................................................................................360                    343                    Investment income ..............................................................................................................153                    227                    Other expenses ....................................................................................................................(341)                   -                     Total other income...............................................................................................................172                    570                    Earnings before income taxes .................................................................................................3,529                 2,367                 Income tax expense ................................................................................................................1,216                 808                    Contribution to net earnings ..................................................................................................2,313$               1,559$                
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Media 

Maxim’s business lies principally in media and licensing.  Earnings of our media operations are summarized below. 

On February 27, 2014, we acquired the assets of Maxim; thus, Maxim’s inclusion is from the acquisition date in the first quarter 
of 2014.   

We acquired Maxim with the idea of transforming the brand.  We continue to make investments into the brand, many of which 
are reflected in the reported expenses. We have been rebuilding Maxim’s media business, both in print and in digital, as well as 
developing  a  licensing  business.  We  have  been  making  adjustments  in  operations  to  reduce  dramatically  the  high  fixed  costs 
inherent in the media business. The magazine developed the Maxim brand, a franchise we are utilizing to build cash-generating 
businesses, namely licensing royalties related to consumer products, services, and events.  

We have taken the risk on the belief that the probability for gain in value more than justifies the risk of loss.  

22 

 2015  2014 Revenue ..................................................................................................................................24,482$             15,169$             Media cost of sales ................................................................................................................35,614               28,660               Selling, general and administrative expenses ..........................................................................6,677                 7,626                 Depreciation and amortization................................................................................................296                    362                    Loss before income taxes .......................................................................................................(18,105)              (21,479)              Income tax benefit ..................................................................................................................(6,646)                (8,075)                Contribution to net earnings ..................................................................................................(11,459)$            (13,404)$             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Gains 

Earnings from our investments are summarized below. 

Investment  gains/losses  in  any  given  period  will  vary;  therefore,  for  analytical  purposes,  management  measures  operating 
performance by analyzing earnings before realized and unrealized investment gains/losses. 

On July 1, 2013, Biglari Holdings sold all of the outstanding shares of Biglari Capital Corp. to Mr. Biglari, Chairman and CEO 
of Biglari Holdings, and recorded a gain of $1,597.  Biglari Capital Corp. is the general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P. and  The 
Lion  Fund II, L.P. (collectively  “investment partnerships”).  The investment partnerships are  limited partnerships operating as 
private investment funds.  The Company has a limited interest in each of the partnerships. 

Biglari Holdings recognized non-cash pre-tax gains of $29,524 ($18,305 net of tax) during 2014 and $182,746 ($114,931 net of 
tax) during fiscal year 2013 on the contribution of securities to investment partnerships. Biglari Holdings’ management does not 
regard  the  gains  that  were  recorded,  as  required  by  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  as  meaningful.  The  gains 
recognized for financial reporting purposes are deferred for income tax purposes. These transactions essentially had no effect on 
our consolidated shareholders’ equity because the gains included in earnings were accompanied by a corresponding reduction of 
unrealized investment gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income. 

Investment Partnership Gains (Losses) 

Earnings from our investments in partnerships are summarized below. 

The investment partnerships  concentrate  investments,  which expose them to  more  market price  fluctuations than  might be the 
case were investments more diversified.  

The investment partnerships hold the Company’s common stock as investments.  The Company’s  pro-rata share of its common 
stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as treasury stock even though these shares are legally outstanding.  Gains 
and losses on Company common stock included in the earnings of the partnerships are eliminated.  

Prior  to  the  sale  of  Biglari  Capital  Corp.,  the  Company  held  a  controlling  interest  in  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  and  Western 
Acquisitions,  L.P.  (the  “consolidated  affiliated  partnerships”),  and  we  accounted  for  the  partnerships’  gains  and  losses  in  our 
consolidated  financial  statements.    As  a  result  of  the  sale  of  Biglari  Capital  Corp.,  the  Company  no  longer  has  a  controlling 
interest in the consolidated affiliated partnerships.  Because we ceased to have a controlling interest in the consolidated affiliated 
partnerships, these entities  were no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.  From July 1, 2013, we record 
gains/losses from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on the securities) 
in the consolidated statements of earnings based on the carrying value of our proportional ownership interests in the investment 
partnerships.   

23 

201520142014201320142013Gain on contributions to partnerships ..................-$        29,524$    -$        -$          29,524$  182,746$  Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp. ....................-          -            -          -            -          1,597        Realized investment gains .....................................-          -            -          -            -          1               Other than temporary impairment ........................-          -            -          -            -          (570)          Total gain before tax expense ................................-          29,524      -          -            29,524    183,774    Tax expense ...........................................................-          11,219      -          -            11,219    68,206      Contribution to net earnings ..................................-$        18,305$    -$        -$          18,305$  115,568$  Transition PeriodFiscal Year201520142014201320142013Investment partnership gains (losses) ....................(39,356)$  135,264$  144,702$  23,493$  14,055$  20,068$  Gains from consolidated affiliated partnerships .....-           -            -            -          -          3,903      Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests ....-           -            -            -          -          (1,901)     Total partnership gains before tax expense .............(39,356)    135,264    144,702    23,493    14,055    22,070    Tax (benefit) expense ..............................................(21,188)    47,273      53,511      7,977      1,739      7,533      Contribution to net earnings ...................................(18,168)$  87,991$    91,191$    15,516$  12,316$  14,537$  Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense 

The Company’s interest expense is summarized below. 

Interest expense during 2015 was $11,939 compared to $10,797 during 2014. The outstanding balance on Steak n Shake’s credit 
facility on December 31, 2015  was $212,375  compared to $218,350 on December 31, 2014.  The  decrease  in the outstanding 
balance was primarily due to debt payments of $4,325 in December 2015.   Steak n Shake entered into a new credit facility on 
March 19, 2014, which increased the outstanding balance by $107,850.  The interest rate was 4.75% on December 31, 2015 and 
December 31, 2014. 

Interest  expense  increased  from  $1,641  in  the  2013  transition  period  to  $3,272  in  the  2014  transition  period  due  to  higher 
balances and interest during the 2014 transition period. 

Interest  expense  increased  from  $6,551  in  fiscal  year  2013  to  $9,166  during  fiscal  year  2014.    These  increases  primarily 
pertained to higher balances and interest on Steak n Shake’s current credit facility, entered into on March 19, 2014, compared to 
Steak n Shake’s former credit facility.  The outstanding balance on September 24, 2014 was $219,450 with a 4.75% interest rate, 
as compared to $120,250 with a 3.94% interest rate on September 25, 2013.   

The  loss  on  extinguishment  of  debt  for  2014  of  $1,133  related  to  the  write-off  of  deferred  loan  costs  associated  with  Steak  n 
Shake’s then outstanding credit facilities.   

Corporate 

Corporate expenses exclude the activities in the restaurant, insurance, media and other companies.  Corporate net losses during 
2015 were $8,309 versus net losses of $5,502 during 2014.  The increase in net losses during 2015 was primarily attributable to 
proxy costs and legal expenses. 

Corporate net losses during the 2014 transition period were $2,051 versus net losses of $2,060 during the 2013 transition period.   

Corporate net losses during fiscal year 2014 were $5,511 versus a net loss of $12,515 during fiscal year 2013.  The after-tax loss 
decreased in 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily because of a decrease in incentive compensation.     

Income Tax Expense 

Consolidated income tax was a benefit of $21,588 or 57.7% of pretax income in 2015 versus an expense of $55,312 or 35.4% in 
2014.  The tax benefit recorded during 2015 included a deferred tax benefit of $26,476, primarily due to non-cash, pretax losses 
from investment partnerships.  The tax expense recorded during 2014 included a deferred tax expense of $55,450, primarily due 
to non-cash, pretax gains from investment partnerships. 

Consolidated income tax expense was 37.5% of pretax income in the 2014 transition period, versus 33.3% in the 2013 transition 
period.    The  increase  in  the  Company’s  tax  rate  in  the  2014  transition  period  as  compared  to  the  2013  transition  period  was 
primarily attributable to increased income from investment partnerships. 

Consolidated  income  tax  expense  was  26.2%  of  pretax  income  during  2014,  versus  34.3%  in  2013.   The  decrease  in  the 
Company’s tax rate in 2014 as compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to reduced contributions of securities to investment 
partnerships.  The Company recognized gains of $29,524 during 2014 and $182,746 during 2013 on the contribution of securities 
to investment partnerships. In 2014 and 2013, gains on contributions to investment partnerships were taxed at 38.0% and 37.1%, 
respectively.   

24 

201520142014201320142013Interest expense on notes payable .............................(11,939)$    (10,797)$    (3,272)$      (1,641)$      (9,166)$      (6,551)$      Loss on debt extinguishment.....................................-             (1,133)        -             -             (1,133)        -             Total interest expense................................................(11,939)      (11,930)      (3,272)        (1,641)        (10,299)      (6,551)        Tax benefit ................................................................(4,537)        (4,533)        (1,243)        (624)           (3,914)        (2,489)        Contribution to net earnings .....................................(7,402)$      (7,397)$      (2,029)$      (1,017)$      (6,385)$      (4,062)$      Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Condition  

Our balance sheet continues to maintain significant liquidity.  Our consolidated shareholders’ equity on December 31, 2015 was 
$451,372,  a  decrease  of  $274,179  compared  to  the  December  31,  2014  balance.  The  decrease  during  2015  was  primarily 
attributable  to  an  increase  in  treasury  stock.    In  2015,  The  Lion  Fund  II,  L.P.  completed  a  tender  offer  for  616,312 shares  of 
Biglari  Holdings  common  stock.  The  shares  purchased  in  the  tender  offer  are  legally  outstanding  but  under  accounting 
convention  the  Company’s  proportional  ownership  of  the  shares  is  reflected  as  treasury  shares  in  the  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

Consolidated cash and investments are summarized below. 

The  Company  owns  interests  in  investment  partnerships  that  hold  the  Company’s  common  stock  for  investment  purposes.  
However, the Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock held by the investment partnerships is recorded as treasury stock.  
Unrealized gains/losses of Biglari Holdings’ stock held by the investment partnerships are eliminated in the Company’s results. 

Liquidity 

Cash  provided  by  operating  activities  increased  by  $24,625  during  2015  compared  to  2014.  The  increase  during  2015  was 
primarily due to an increase in distributions from investment partnerships of $10,904 and an increase in the net earnings of the 
Company’s restaurant operations of $8,700. Cash provided by operating activities during the 2014 transition period was $5,643 
compared to $5,346 during the 2013 transition period. During fiscal year 2014 cash flows from operations primarily consisted of 
$23,470  of  cash  flows  from  earnings  (excluding  gains)  and  $10,340  of  cash  dividends  from  investment  partnerships.  During 
fiscal year 2013 cash flows from earnings (excluding gains) was $40,234. 

Net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  during  2015  of  $113,300  was  primarily  due  to  $88,500  in  contributions  to  investment 
partnerships and capital expenditures of $11,083.  Net cash used in investing activities during 2014 of $163,512 was primarily 
due to $100,000 in contributions to investment partnerships, $40,143 for the acquisitions of businesses and capital expenditures 
of  $39,345.  Net  cash  provided  by  investing  activities  during  the  2014  transition  period  of  $2,484  was  primarily  because  of 
maturities of bonds of $11,748 offset by capital expenditures of $8,816.  Net cash used in investing activities of $4,764 during 
the  2013  transition  period  primarily  consisted  of  capital  expenditures  of  $5,283.    Net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  during 
fiscal  year  2014  was  primarily  because  of  contributions  to  investment  partnerships  of  $100,000,  acquisitions  of  businesses  of 
$40,143 and capital expenditures of $35,812.  Net cash used in investing activities of $60,765 during fiscal year 2013 primarily 
consisted of purchases of investments of $45,277 and capital expenditures of $14,167.   

25 

20152014Cash and cash equivalents ......................................................................................................56,523$             129,669$           Investments ............................................................................................................................23,750               10,800               Fair value of interest in investment partnerships ..................................................................734,668             776,899             Total cash and investments.....................................................................................................814,941             917,368             Less: portion of Company stock held by investment partnerships ......................................(262,979)            (78,917)              Carrying value of cash and investments on balance sheet ......................................................551,962$           838,451$           December 31,201520142014201320142013Net cash provided by operating activities ................52,497$   27,872$   5,643$      5,346$     27,575$   38,792$    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities ..(113,300)  (163,512)  2,484        (4,764)      (170,760)  (60,765)     Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities ..(12,307)    180,140   (2,745)       (10,020)    172,865   56,343      Effect of exchange rate changes on cash .................(36)           (308)         (3)              289          (16)           (103)          Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ......(73,146)$  44,192$   5,379$      (9,149)$    29,664$   34,267$    Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During 2015 and the 2014 transition period we incurred debt payments of $12,529 and $2,748, respectively.  During the 2013 
transition period we incurred debt payments of $17,020 and received $7,000 from a revolving credit facility.  During calendar 
year 2014 and fiscal year 2014 we generated cash from financing activities which primarily resulted from an increase in Steak n 
Shake  borrowings  of  $101,411  and  proceeds  from  an  equity  offering  of  $85,873.    $50,000  of  Steak  n  Shake’s  increased 
borrowings were used to pay a cash dividend to Biglari Holdings and the remaining loan proceeds will be used by Steak n Shake 
for  working  capital  and  general  corporate  purposes.    During  fiscal  year  2013  we  generated  $75,595  of  cash  from  financing 
activities from an equity offering.   

We intend to meet the working capital needs of our operating subsidiaries principally through anticipated cash flows generated 
from operations, cash on hand, existing credit facilities, and the sale of excess properties and investments. We continually review 
available financing alternatives. 

Steak n Shake Credit Facility 
On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake and its subsidiaries entered into a new credit agreement. This credit agreement provides for a 
senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220,000 and a senior secured revolving credit facility in an 
aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. 

The term loan is scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021. It amortizes at an annual rate of 1.0% in equal quarterly installments, 
beginning June 30, 2014, at 0.25% of the  original principal amount of the term loan,  subject to  mandatory prepayments from 
excess  cash  flow,  asset  sales  and  other  events  described  in  the  credit  agreement.    The  balance  will  be  due  at  maturity.    The 
revolver will be available on a revolving basis until March 19, 2019.  

Steak n Shake has the right to request an incremental term loan facility from participating lenders and/or eligible assignees at any 
time, up to an aggregate total principal amount not to exceed $70,000 if certain customary conditions within the credit agreement 
are met. 

Borrowings  bear  interest  at  a  rate  per  annum  equal  to  a  base  rate  or  a  Eurodollar  rate  (minimum  of  1%)  plus  an  applicable 
margin. Interest on the term loan is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or on the prime rate plus  an 
applicable margin of 2.75%. Interest on loans under the revolver is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging 
from 2.75% to 4.25% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3.25%. The applicable margins on 
revolver loans are contingent on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio. The revolver also carries a commitment fee ranging from 
0.40% to 0.50% per annum, according to Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio, on the unused portion of the revolver. 

As of December 31, 2015, the interest rate on the term loan was 4.75%. 

The  credit  agreement  includes  customary  affirmative  and  negative  covenants  and  events  of  default,  as  well  as  a  financial 
maintenance  covenant,  solely  with  respect  to  the  revolver,  relating  to  the  maximum  total  leverage  ratio.  As  of  December  31, 
2015,  we  were  in  compliance  with  all  covenants.  Steak  n  Shake’s  credit  facility  contains  restrictions  on  its  ability  to  pay 
dividends to Biglari Holdings. 

Both the term loan and the revolver have been secured by first priority security interests on substantially all the assets of Steak n 
Shake. Biglari Holdings is  not a guarantor under the  credit facility.  Approximately $118,589 of the proceeds of the term loan 
were  used to repay all outstanding amounts under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses, 
$50,000  of  such  proceeds  were  used  to  pay  a  cash  dividend  to  Biglari  Holdings,  and  the  remaining  term  loan  proceeds  of 
approximately $51,411 are being used by Steak n Shake for working capital and general corporate purposes. At December 31, 
2015, $212,375 was outstanding under the term loan, and no amount is outstanding under the revolver.   

Steak n Shake had $10,188 in standby letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  

Western Revolver 
As of December 31, 2015, Western has $786 due June 13, 2016. 

Interest Rate Swap 
During 2013, Steak n Shake entered into an interest rate swap for a notional amount of $65,000, which terminated on September 
30, 2015. During fiscal year 2011, Steak n Shake entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $20,000. 
The notional amount decreases $1,000 quarterly through its maturity on February 15, 2016.  The notional amount of the interest 
rate swap was $1,000 on December 31, 2015.  

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Critical Accounting Policies 
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial 
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain 
accounting  policies  require  management  to  make  estimates  and  judgments  concerning  transactions  that  will  be  settled  several 
years in the future. Amounts recognized in our consolidated financial  statements from such estimates are necessarily based on 
numerous  assumptions  involving  varying  and  potentially  significant  degrees  of  judgment  and  uncertainty.  Accordingly,  the 
amounts currently reflected in our  consolidated financial statements  will likely increase or decrease in the future as additional 
information becomes available.   

We believe the following critical accounting policies represent our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation 
of our consolidated financial statements.  Given the current composition of our business, we do not believe that any accounting 
policies related to our insurance or media businesses were critical to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements as 
of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

Consolidation 
The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  (i)  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.,  (ii)  the  wholly-and  majority-owned 
subsidiaries of Biglari Holdings Inc. in which control can be exercised and (iii) limited partnership investment entities  in which 
we have a controlling interest as the general partner. In evaluating whether we have a controlling interest in entities in which we 
would consolidate, we consider the following: (1) for voting interest entities, we consolidate those entities in which we own a 
majority of the voting interests; and (2) for limited partnership entities, we consolidate those entities if we are the general partner 
of such entities and for which no substantive removal rights exist.  The analysis as to whether to consolidate an entity is subject 
to a significant amount of judgment. Some of the criteria considered include the determination as to the degree of control over an 
entity by its various equity holders and the design of the entity. 

Before  the  sale  of  Biglari  Capital  and  liquidation  of  Western  Acquisitions,  L.P.,  the  Company  consolidated  its  affiliated 
partnerships  in  its  consolidated  financial  statements,  which  included  the  accounts  of  (i)  the  Company,  (ii)  its  wholly-owned 
subsidiaries  Biglari  Capital,  Steak  n  Shake,  and  Western,  and  (iii)  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  and  Western  Acquisitions,  L.P.  (the 
“consolidated affiliated partnerships”), in which the Company had a substantive controlling interest.  As a result of the sale of 
Biglari Capital and the related liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P., the Company has ceased to have a controlling interest 
in the consolidated affiliated partnerships, which, accordingly, are no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.  
Beginning July 1, 2013, the consolidated financial statements only include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries.  All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. 

Prior to July 1, 2013 the consolidated affiliated partnerships’ assets and liabilities were consolidated on the consolidated balance 
sheet even though outside limited partners had majority ownership in the consolidated affiliated partnerships. The Company did 
not  guarantee  any  of  the  liabilities  of  its  subsidiaries  that  were  serving  as  general  partners  to  these  consolidated  affiliated 
partnerships.  

Beginning July 1, 2013, our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments because of 
our retained limited partner interest in the investment partnerships.  The Company records gains from investment partnerships 
(inclusive  of  the  investment  partnerships’  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  their  securities)  in  the  consolidated  statement  of 
earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships. 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets 
We  review  company-operated  restaurants  for  impairment  on  a  restaurant-by-restaurant  basis  when  events  or  circumstances 
indicate a possible impairment. We test for impairment by comparing the carrying  value of the asset to the undiscounted future 
cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the 
asset, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss is recognized in earnings. The future cash flows 
expected to be generated by an asset requires significant judgment regarding future performance of the asset, fair market value if 
the asset were to be sold, and other financial and economic assumptions. 

27 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Reserves 
We currently  self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our  workers’ compensation,  general liability,  directors’ 
and officers’ liability, and auto liability insurance programs. For certain programs, we purchase reinsurance for individual and 
aggregate claims that exceed predetermined limits. We record a liability for all unresolved claims and our estimates of incurred 
but  not  reported  (“IBNR”)  claims  at  the  anticipated  cost  to  us.  The  liability  estimate  is  based  on  information  received  from 
insurance companies, combined with management’s judgments regarding frequency and severity of claims, claims development 
history, and settlement practices. Significant judgment is required to estimate IBNR claims as parties have yet  to assert a claim, 
and therefore the degree to which injuries have been incurred and the related costs have not yet been determined. Additionally, 
estimates about future costs involve significant judgment regarding legislation, case jurisdictions, and other matters. 

We self-insure our group health insurance risk. We record a liability for our group health insurance for all applied claims and our 
estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Our estimate is based on information received from our insurance company and 
claims processing practices. 

Our reserves for self-insured liabilities at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $8,485 and $9,787, respectively.  

Income Taxes 
We record deferred tax assets or liabilities based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities 
using currently enacted rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record deferred tax 
assets to the extent we believe there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the 
extent deferred tax assets would be unable to be utilized, we would record a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount 
and record that amount as a charge against earnings. Due to changing tax laws and state income tax rates, significant judgment is 
required to estimate the effective tax rate expected to apply to tax differences that are expected to reverse in the future. We must 
also  make  estimates  about  the  sufficiency  of  taxable  income  in  future  periods  to  offset  any  deductions  related  to  deferred  tax 
assets currently recorded. Based on 2015 results, a change of one percentage point in the annual effective tax rate would have an 
impact of $374 on net earnings. 

We  recognize  the  tax  benefit  from  an  uncertain  tax  position  only  if  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that  the  tax  position  will  be 
sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in 
the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of 
being realized upon ultimate resolution. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 
We  are  required  to  assess  goodwill  and  any  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  for  impairment  annually,  or  more  frequently  if 
circumstances  indicate  impairment  may  have  occurred.   When  evaluating  goodwill  for  impairment,  we  may  first  perform  a 
qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a 
qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its 
carrying amount, we test for potential impairment using a two-step approach.  The first step is the estimation of fair value of each 
reporting unit. If step one indicates that impairment potentially exists, the second step is performed to  measure the amount of 
impairment,  if any.  Goodwill impairment exists  when the  estimated  fair  value of goodwill is less than its carrying  value. The 
valuation  methodology  and  underlying  financial  information  included  in  our  determination  of  fair  value  require  significant 
management judgments. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. The judgments in these two approaches 
include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  comparable  market  multiples,  long-term  projections  of  future  financial  performance,  and  the 
selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the 
application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. 

Leases 
Restaurant operations lease certain properties under operating leases. Many of these lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent 
escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease 
term, including cancelable option periods when failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty. We use a 
time period for straight-line rent expense calculation that equals or exceeds the time period used for depreciation. In addition, the 
rent commencement date of the lease term is the earlier of the date when they become legally obligated for the rent payments or 
the date when they take access to the grounds for build out. Accounting for leases involves significant management judgment. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effects of Governmental Regulations and Inflation 
Most restaurant operations employees are paid hourly rates related to minimum wage laws. Any increase in the legal minimum 
wage  would  directly  increase  our  operating  costs.  We  are  also  subject  to  various  laws  related  to  zoning,  land  use,  health  and 
safety standards,  working conditions, and accessibility standards. Any changes in these laws that require improvements to our 
restaurants would increase our operating costs.  

Inflation in food, labor, fringe benefits, energy costs, transportation costs and other operating costs directly affect our operations. 

The federal healthcare reform legislation that became law in March 2010 (known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care 
Act [“PPACA”]) mandates menu labeling of certain nutritional aspects of restaurant menu items such as caloric, sugar, sodium, 
and fat content. Altering our recipes in response to such legislation could increase our costs and/or change the flavor profile of 
our menu offerings which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Additionally, if our customers perceive our 
menu  items  to  contain  unhealthy  caloric,  sugar,  sodium,  or  fat  content,  our  results  of  operations  could  be  further  adversely 
affected. 

Additionally,  minimum  employee  health  care  coverage  mandated  by  state  or  federal  legislation,  such  as  the  PPACA,  could 
significantly increase our employee health benefit costs or require us to alter the benefits we provide to our employees. While we 
are assessing the potential impact the  PPACA  will have on our business, certain of the mandates in the legislation are not yet 
effective. If our employee health benefit costs increase,  we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to offset these costs 
through  increased  revenue  or  reductions  in  other  costs,  which  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations  and 
financial condition. 

Contractual Obligations  
Our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2015 are shown in the following table. 

Contractual Obligations 
Long-term debt (1) (2)  .......................................................................  
Capital leases and finance obligations (1)  ........................................   
Operating leases (3)  .........................................................................  
Purchase commitments (4)  ...............................................................  
Other long-term liabilities (5)  ...........................................................  
Total ................................................................................................  

   Less 
than 
1 year 

Payments due by period 

1 – 3 
years 

3 – 5 
years 

More than 
5 years 

   $  13,982   $  26,179   $  25,908   $  204,045  
  6,832     
  57,940    
—     

  14,843       23,657      13,321   
   25,860    
—    
—    

        16,993       30,212  
        4,973      2,623        

2,184  

—    

—    

Total 

— 
$   270,114 
  58,653 
 131,005 
7,596 
2,184 

   $  50,791   $  82,671   $  65,089   $  271,001   $    469,552       

(1) 

(5) 

Includes principal and interest and assumes payoff of indebtedness at maturity date. 
Includes outstanding borrowings under Steak n Shake’s and Western’s credit facilities. 

(2) 
(3)  Excludes amounts to be paid for contingent rents. Includes amounts to be paid for subleased properties. 
(4) 

Includes  agreements  to  purchase  goods  or  services  that  are  enforceable  and  legally  binding  on  us  and  that  specify  all 
significant terms. Excludes agreements that are cancelable without penalty. 
Includes liabilities for Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. Excludes our unrecognized tax benefits of  $413 as of 
December 31, 2015 because we cannot make a reliable estimate of the timing of cash payments. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than operating leases entered into in the normal course of business. 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 
For  detailed  information  regarding  recently  issued  accounting  pronouncements  and  the  expected  impact  on  our  consolidated 
financial  statements,  see  Note 1,  “Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Policies”  in  the  accompanying  notes  to  consolidated 
financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report on form 10-K. 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In 
general,  forward-looking  statements  include  estimates  of  future  revenues,  cash  flows,  capital  expenditures,  or  other  financial 
items, and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations 
regarding  future  events  and  use  words  such  as  “anticipate,”  “believe,”  “expect,”  “may,”  and  other  similar  terminology.  A 
forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or 
circumstances may not occur. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as 
of  the  date  of  this  report.  These  forward-looking  statements  are  all  based  on  currently  available  operating,  financial,  and 
competitive  information  and  are  subject  to  various  risks  and  uncertainties.  Our  actual  future  results  and  trends  may  differ 
materially depending on a variety of factors, many beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties 
described in Item 1A, Risk Factors set forth above. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise them, except as may 
be required by law. 

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

The majority of our investments are conducted through investment partnerships which generally hold common stocks. We also 
hold marketable securities directly. Through investments  in the investment partnerships we hold a concentrated position in the 
common stock of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.  A significant decline in the general stock market or in the prices of 
major investments  may produce a large net loss and decrease  in our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Decreases in values of 
equity investments can have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and on consolidated shareholders’ equity. 

We  prefer  to  hold  equity  investments  for  very  long  periods  of  time  so  we  are  not  troubled  by  short-term  price  volatility  with 
respect  to  our  investments.    Our  interests  in  the  investment  partnerships  are  committed  on  a  rolling  5-year  basis,  and  any 
distributions upon our withdrawal of funds will be paid out over two years (and may be paid in kind rather than in cash). Market 
prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation. Consequently the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment 
may  significantly  differ  from  the  reported  market  value.    A  hypothetical  10%  increase  or  decrease  in  the  market  price  of  our 
investments would result in a respective increase or decrease in the fair market value of our investments of $75,842, along with a 
corresponding change in shareholders’ equity of approximately 11%. 

Borrowings on Steak n Shake’s credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to a base rate or a Eurodollar rate (minimum 
of 1%) plus an applicable margin. Interest on the term loan is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75%  or 
on the prime rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%. Interest on loans under the revolver is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an 
applicable margin ranging from 2.75% to 4.25% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3.25%. At 
December 31, 2015, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in short-term interest rates would have an impact of approximately 
$300 on our net earnings.  

We have had minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in 2015, in the 2014 transition period and in fiscal 
years 2014 and 2013.  

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of 
Biglari Holdings Inc. 
San Antonio, Texas 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Biglari Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as 
of  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  earnings,  comprehensive  income,  changes  in 
shareholders'  equity,  and  cash  flows  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  for  the  period  from  September  25,  2014  to 
December  31, 2014,  and  years  ended  September  24,  2014 and  September  25, 2013.  Our  audits  also  included  the  financial 
statement  schedule  listed  in  the  Index  at  Item  15.  These  financial  statements  and  financial  statement  schedule  are  the 
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and 
financial statement schedule based on our audits. 

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts 
and disclosures in the  financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant 
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits 
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Biglari 
Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  the  period  from  September  25,  2014  to  December  31,  2014,  and  the  years  ended 
September  24,  2014  and  September  25,  2013,  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United 
States  of  America.  Also,  in  our  opinion,  such  financial  statement  schedule,  when  considered  in  relation  to  the  basic 
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. 

As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, during the years ended December 31, 2015, September 24, 
2014 and September 25, 2013, the Company contributed cash and securities with an aggregate value of $88.5 million, $174.4 
million and $377.6 million, respectively to investment partnerships. The Company and its subsidiaries have invested in the 
investment partnerships in the form of limited partner interests. These investments are subject to a rolling five-year lock up 
period under the terms of the respective partnership agreements for the investment partnerships.  

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the  Company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2015,  based  on  Internal  Control  –  Integrated 
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated 
February 20, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 
Indianapolis, Indiana 
February 20, 2016 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of 
Biglari Holdings Inc. 
San Antonio, Texas 

We have  audited the internal  control of Biglari Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2015, 
based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  and  for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting, 
included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our  audit  included  obtaining  an 
understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  assessing  the  risk  that  a  material  weakness  exists,  testing  and 
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness  of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other 
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion. 

A company’s internal control over financial  reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s 
principal  financial  officers,  or  persons  performing  similar  functions,  and  effected  by  the  company’s  board  of  directors, 
management,  and  other  personnel  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the 
preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  A 
company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance 
of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and  dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the 
company;  (2)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company 
are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (3)  provide 
reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely  detection  of  unauthorized  acquisition,  use,  or  disposition  of  the 
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because  of  the  inherent  limitations  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  including  the  possibility  of  collusion  or 
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on 
a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future 
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of 
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

In  our  opinion,  the  Company  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
December  31,  2015,  based  on  the  criteria  established  in  Internal  control  –  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 of the 
Company  and  our  report  dated  February  20,  2016  expressed  an  unqualified  opinion  on  those  financial  statements  and 
financial statement schedule and included an emphasis of matter paragraph relating to the contribution of cash and securities 
to the investment partnerships. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 
Indianapolis, Indiana 
February 20, 2016 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

The management of Biglari Holdings Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 
reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange  Act of 1934. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision 
of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, and effected by the board of directors, management and 
other personnel, to provide assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements 
for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and includes 
those policies and procedures that: 

• 

• 

• 

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions 
and dispositions of assets of the Company; 
Provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  the 
financial  statements  in  accordance  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  and  that  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  Company  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with 
authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and 
Provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely  detection  of  unauthorized  acquisition,  use  or 
disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of  inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting  may not prevent or detect  misstatements. 
Projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the 
criteria set forth in a  report entitled Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  Based  on  this  evaluation,  we  have  concluded  that,  as  of  December  31, 
2015, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. 

The  Company’s  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  has  issued  an  audit  report  on  the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 and its report is included herein. 

/s/ Sardar Biglari 
Sardar Biglari 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

/s/ Bruce Lewis 
Bruce Lewis 
Controller  

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands except per-share amounts) 

34 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)RevenuesRestaurant operations ..............................................................819,738$  215,648$  204,442$   778,155$     751,919$  Insurance premiums and other ..................................................17,232      3,574        -             5,715           -            Media advertising and other .....................................................24,482      5,228        -             9,941           -            Other .......................................................................................-            -            -             -              3,903        861,452    224,450    204,442     793,811       755,822    Cost and expensesRestaurant cost of sales ............................................................629,287    168,107    157,673     602,507       583,003    Insurance losses and underwriting expenses ...............................13,362      2,668        -             4,254           -            Media cost of sales ...................................................................35,614      9,261        -             19,399         -            Selling, general and administrative ............................................135,132    30,847      31,630       128,472       126,835    Depreciation and amortization .................................................24,780      6,828        6,566         24,905         25,250      838,175    217,711    195,869     779,537       735,088    Other income (expenses)Interest and dividends ...............................................................9               8               586            1,182           8,265        Interest expense .......................................................................(11,939)     (3,272)       (1,641)        (10,299)       (6,551)       Interest on obligations under leases...........................................(9,422)       (2,577)       (2,612)        (9,720)         (9,829)       Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp. ........................................-            -            -             -              1,597        Investment gains (including contributions) ...............................-            -            -             29,524         182,177    Investment partnership (losses) gains .......................................(39,356)     144,702    23,493       14,055         20,068      Total other income (expenses) .............................................(60,708)     138,861    19,826       24,742         195,727    Earnings (loss) before income taxes ......................................(37,431)     145,600    28,399       39,016         216,461    Income tax expense (benefit) ...................................................(21,588)     54,550      9,450         10,212         74,289      Net earnings (loss) ..................................................................(15,843)     91,050      18,949       28,804         142,172    Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests .............-            -            -             -              (1,901)       Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. ...(15,843)$   91,050$    18,949$     28,804$       140,271$  Earnings (loss) per share Basic earnings (loss) per common share ......................................(10.18)$     48.49$      11.05$       16.85$         90.89$      Diluted earnings (loss) per common share ...................................(10.18)$     48.45$      11.03$       16.82$         90.69$      Weighted average shares and equivalentsBasic ...........................................................................................1,556,039 1,877,723 1,714,727  1,709,621    1,543,370 Diluted ........................................................................................1,556,039 1,879,414 1,718,261  1,712,775    1,546,665 Transition PeriodFiscal YearSee accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands) 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

35 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. ..(15,843)$  91,050$    18,949$    28,804$  140,271$  Other comprehensive income:Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings .62             -           -           (29,578)  (182,286)   Applicable income taxes ......................................................(21)           -           -           11,237    67,640      Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments .....(892)         (341)         6,540        (4,930)    146,079    Applicable income taxes ......................................................327           126           (2,478)      1,874      (53,881)     Foreign currency translation ................................................(2,372)      (46)           289           (582)       8               Other comprehensive income (loss), net ....................................(2,896)      (261)         4,351        (21,979)  (22,440)     Total comprehensive income (loss) ...........................................(18,739)$  90,789$    23,300$    6,825$    117,831$  Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
 (dollars in thousands) 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

36 

20152014AssetsCurrent assets:Cash and cash equivalents ................................................................................................... $             56,523  $           129,669 Investments .........................................................................................................................                23,750                 10,800 Receivables...........................................................................................................................                17,716                 19,003 Inventories ..........................................................................................................................                  7,593                   7,255 Deferred taxes .....................................................................................................................                13,263                 12,019 Other current assets ............................................................................................................                  7,943                   7,707 Total current assets ................................................................................................................              126,788               186,453 Property and equipment ........................................................................................................              332,324               353,875 Goodwill ................................................................................................................................                40,022                 40,164 Other intangible assets ...........................................................................................................                21,673                 22,756 Investment partnerships ........................................................................................................              471,689               697,982 Other assets ...........................................................................................................................                11,422                 13,561 Total assets ........................................................................................................................... $        1,003,918  $        1,314,791 Liabilities and shareholders’ equityLiabilitiesCurrent liabilities:Accounts payable ............................................................................................................... $             34,649  $             39,996 Accrued expenses ................................................................................................................                74,429                 65,476 Current portion of notes payable and other borrowings ....................................................                  8,477                   9,315 Total current liabilities ...........................................................................................................              117,555               114,787 Long-term notes payable and other borrowings ....................................................................              298,950               312,595 Deferred taxes ........................................................................................................................              125,130               150,732 Other liabilities .......................................................................................................................                10,911                 11,126 Total liabilities ....................................................................................................................              552,546               589,240 Shareholders’ equityCommon stock - 2,066,691 and 2,065,586 shares outstanding .............................................                  1,071                   1,071 Additional paid-in capital ......................................................................................................              391,853               391,877 Retained earnings ...................................................................................................................              415,982               431,825 Accumulated other comprehensive loss .................................................................................                (3,679)                   (783)Treasury stock, at cost ..........................................................................................................            (353,855)              (98,439)Biglari Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity ......................................................................              451,372               725,551 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity ........................................................................ $        1,003,918  $        1,314,791 December 31, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 

 (dollars in thousands)

37 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Operating activitiesNet earnings (loss) .....................................................................................(15,843)$  91,050$   18,949$   28,804$   142,172$  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:Depreciation and amortization ............................................................24,780     6,828       6,566       24,905     25,250      Provision for deferred income taxes ....................................................(26,476)    52,909     6,623       9,164       72,035      Asset impairments and other non-cash expenses ..................................2,232       84            162          3,253       3,508        Loss on disposal of assets .....................................................................1,351       707          162          977          1,111        Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp. ....................................................-           -           -           -           (1,597)       Investment (gains) losses (including contributions) ..............................62            -           -           (29,578)    (182,177)   Investment partnership (gains) losses ..................................................39,356     (144,702)  (23,493)    (14,055)    (20,068)     Distributions from investment partnerships .........................................19,775     -           1,469       10,340     -            Changes in receivables and inventories .................................................686          (3,404)      (709)         (5,926)      195           Changes in other assets ........................................................................2,299       (855)         (793)         (2,599)      (2,742)       Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses ...............................4,275       3,026       (3,590)      2,290       3,764        Investment operations of consolidated affiliated partnerships:Sales of investments ............................................................................-           -           -           -           1,516        Investment gains/losses ........................................................................-           -           -           -           (3,597)       Changes in cash and cash equivalents ...................................................-           -           -           -           (578)          Net cash provided by operating activities ............................................52,497     5,643       5,346       27,575     38,792      Investing activitiesAdditions of property and equipment ...................................................(11,083)    (8,816)      (5,283)      (35,812)    (14,167)     Proceeds from property and equipment disposals .................................135          924          519          2,641       2,449        Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired ....................................-           -           -           (40,143)    -            Purchase of lease rights ........................................................................-           -           -           -           (3,770)       Proceeds from sale of Biglari Capital Corp., net of cash on hand .........-           -           -           -           1,699        Purchases of investments .....................................................................(114,759)  (1,372)      -           (112,530)  (46,977)     Sales of investments and redemptions of fixed maturity securities ........12,407     11,748     -           11,986     1               Changes in restricted assets ..................................................................-           -           -           3,098       -            Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities ............................(113,300)  2,484       (4,764)      (170,760)  (60,765)     Financing activitiesProceeds from revolving credit facility ................................................-           -           7,000       11,700     17,000      Payments on revolving credit facility ..................................................(194)         (20)           -           (10,700)    (17,000)     Borrowings on long-term debt ..............................................................-           -           -           217,800   -            Principal payments on long-term debt .................................................(5,975)      (1,100)      (15,438)    (120,800)  (12,138)     Deferred financing charges ...................................................................-           -           -           (4,754)      -            Principal payments on direct financing lease obligations ......................(6,360)      (1,628)      (1,582)      (6,278)      (5,904)       Proceeds from stock rights offering .....................................................-           -           -           85,873     75,595      Proceeds for exercise of stock options  ................................................222          3              -           24            16             Financing activities of consolidated affiliated partnerships:Contributions from and distributions to noncontrolling interests, net ...-           -           -           -           (1,226)       Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities ............................(12,307)    (2,745)      (10,020)    172,865   56,343      Effect of exchange rate changes on cash .............................................(36)           (3)             289          (16)           (103)          Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .........................................(73,146)    5,379       (9,149)      29,664     34,267      Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ........................................129,669   124,290   94,626     94,626     60,359      Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ........................................56,523$   129,669$ 85,477$   124,290$ 94,626$    Transition PeriodFiscal YearSee accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Period Ended December 31, 2014) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
(dollars in thousands) 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

38 

Common StockAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Treasury Stock   TotalBalance at September 26, 2012 .....................756$          143,035$   251,983$   43,897$             (90,546)$   349,125$   Net earnings ..................................................140,271     140,271     Other comprehensive loss, net ......................(22,440)              (22,440)     Deconsolidation of affiliated partnerships .....12,224       25,640       37,864       Adjustment to treasury stock for holdings in investment partnerships ...........(11,033)     (11,033)     Issuance of stock for rights offering ..............143            119,367     (43,915)     75,595       Exercise of stock options ..............................(6)              23              17              Adjustment of redeemable noncontrollinginterest to maximum redemption value ......(4,810)       (4,810)       Balance at September 25, 2013 .....................899$          269,810$   348,339$   21,457$             (75,916)$   564,589$   Net earnings ..................................................28,804       28,804       Other comprehensive loss, net ......................(21,979)              (21,979)     Adjustment to treasury stock for holdings in investment partnerships ...........(18,594)     (18,594)     Issuance of stock for rights offering ..............172            122,069     (36,368)     85,873       Exercise of stock options ..............................(1)              25              24              Balance at September 24, 2014 .....................1,071$       391,878$   340,775$   (522)$                 (94,485)$   638,717$   Net earnings ..................................................91,050       91,050       Other comprehensive loss, net ......................(261)                   (261)          Adjustment to treasury stock for holdings in investment partnerships ...........(3,958)       (3,958)       Exercise of stock options ..............................(1)              4                3                Balance at December 31, 2014 ......................1,071$       391,877$   431,825$   (783)$                 (98,439)$   725,551$   Net loss .......................................................(15,843)     (15,843)     Other comprehensive loss, net ................(2,896)                (2,896)       Adjustment to treasury stock for holdings in investment partnerships ...(255,662)   (255,662)   Exercise of stock options ...........................(24)            246            222            Balance at December 31, 2015 .................1,071$       391,853$   415,982$   (3,679)$              (353,855)$ 451,372$    
 
 
 
 
       
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Description of Business 
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a  holding company owning  subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities,  including 
media,  property  and  casualty  insurance,  and  restaurants.  The  Company’s  largest  operating  subsidiaries  are  involved  in  the 
franchising and operating of restaurants. Biglari Holdings is founded and led by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer of Biglari Holdings and its major operating subsidiaries. The Company’s long-term objective is to maximize  per-share 
intrinsic value. All major operating, investment, and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries 
by Mr. Biglari.   

Principles of Consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries including Steak n 
Shake, Inc. (“Steak n Shake”) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (“Western”).  The consolidated financial statements also include 
the accounts of Maxim Inc. (“Maxim”) and First Guard Insurance Company and its agency, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively 
“First Guard”) from the dates of their respective acquisitions during 2014. In addition to consolidating wholly-owned entities we 
consolidate  entities if  we have a controlling interest  in the general partner. Intercompany accounts and transactions  have been 
eliminated in consolidation. 

Prior to July 2013, the consolidated financial statements included the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries 
(including  Biglari  Capital  Corp.  [“Biglari  Capital”]),  and  investment  related  limited  partnerships  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  and 
Western Acquisitions, L.P. (collectively the “consolidated affiliated partnerships”), in which we had a controlling interest.   

In July 2013 the Company liquidated the partners’ interest in Western Acquisitions, L.P. by distributing assets of the partnership 
to the partners and Biglari Holdings sold all of the outstanding shares of Biglari Capital to Mr. Biglari.  Biglari Capital is the 
general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively the “investment partnerships"), which are limited 
partnerships that operate as private investment funds.     

As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and the related liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P. the Company ceased to have a 
controlling  interest  in  Biglari  Capital  and  the  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships.   Accordingly,  Biglari  Capital  and  the 
consolidated affiliated partnerships are no longer consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

Fiscal Year 
In  2014,  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors  approved  a  change  in  the  Company’s  fiscal  year-end  moving  from  the  last 
Wednesday in September to December 31 of each year.  This form 10-K includes an audited statement of earnings, statement of 
comprehensive income, statement of cash  flows and statement of shareholders’ equity  for  the  year ended December 31, 2015, 
transition period for September 25, 2014 to December 31, 2014 (“the “2014 transition period”) and fiscal years ended September 
24, 2014 and September 25, 2013, and an audited balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.  Fiscal years 2014 and 2013 
each contained 52 weeks.   For comparative purposes, an unaudited statement of earnings, statement of comprehensive income 
and statement of cash flows have been included for September 26, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (the “2013 transition period”). 
The  comparative  transition  period  has  not  been  audited  and  is  derived  from  the  books  and  records  of  the  Company.  In  the 
opinion of management, the comparative transition period reflects all adjustments necessary to present the financial position and 
results of operations in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). 

Purchases of Equity Securities 
On  April  20,  2015,  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  completed  a  Rule  10b5-1  Trading  Plan  purchasing  62,000  shares  of  the  Company’s 
common stock from December 18, 2014 through April 20, 2015.  On July 1, 2015, The Lion Fund II, L.P. completed a tender 
offer  for  common  stock  of  Biglari  Holdings  purchasing  616,312  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock. On  December  17, 
2015, The Lion Fund II, L.P. initiated a Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan thereby purchasing 24,000 shares of the Company’s common 
stock  from  January  4,  2016  through  February  3,  2016.  As  of  February  3,  2016,  Mr.  Biglari’s  beneficial  ownership  of  the 
outstanding common stock was approximately 50.6%. 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Business Acquisitions 
On February 27, 2014 the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Maxim.  Maxim is a brand management company 
whose business  lies in  media,  both in print and in digital,  and in  licensing of products  and services.  On March 19, 2014, the 
Company acquired the stock of First Guard, a direct underwriter of commercial trucking insurance, selling physical damage and 
nontrucking liability insurance to truckers.  These acquisitions were not material, individually or in aggregate, to the Company.  
The fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired — other than investments, goodwill and intangibles — was not material. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Cash  equivalents  primarily  consist  of  U.S.  Government  securities  and  money  market  accounts,  all  of  which  have  original 
maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at fair value.   

Investments 
Our investments consist of available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at 
fair  value  with  net  unrealized  gains  or  losses  reported  as  a  component  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  in 
shareholders’  equity.  Held-to-maturity  securities  are  carried  at  amortized  cost,  reflecting  the  ability  and  intent  to  hold  the 
securities to maturity. Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by specific identification of cost of 
investments sold and are included in investment gains/losses, a component of other income. 

Investment Partnerships 
Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted as equity method investments because of our retained limited partner 
interests.    The  Company  records  investment  partnership  gains  (inclusive  of  the  investment  partnerships’  unrealized  gains  and 
losses on their securities) as a component of other income based on our proportional ownership interest in the partnerships. 

The investment partnerships are for purposes of GAAP, investment companies under the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide 
Investment Companies. For periods prior to July 1, 2013, the Company retained the specialized accounting for the consolidated 
affiliated  partnerships,  pursuant  to  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  Accounting  Standards  Codification 
(“ASC”) Topic 946-810-45.  

Concentration of Equity Price Risk 
The majority of our investments are conducted through investment partnerships which generally hold common stocks. We also 
hold marketable securities directly. Through the investment partnerships we hold a concentrated position in the common stock of 
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.  A significant decline in the general stock market or in the prices of major investments 
may have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and on consolidated shareholders’ equity. 

Receivables 
Our  accounts  receivable  balance  consists  primarily  of  franchisee,  customer,  and  other  receivables.  We  carry  our  accounts 
receivable  at  cost  less  an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts,  which  is  based  on  a  history  of  past  write-offs  and  collections  and 
current credit conditions.  Allowance for doubtful accounts was $2,378 at December 31, 2015 and $1,608 at December 31, 2014.  
Amounts charged to expense and deductions from the allowance totaled $1,426 and $662 in 2015.  Amounts charged to expense 
and deductions from the allowance in the 2014 and 2013 transition periods and in fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were insignificant. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Inventories 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market, and consist primarily of restaurant food items 
and supply inventory. 

Property and Equipment 
Property  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  amortization.  Depreciation  and  amortization  are 
recognized  on  the  straight-line  method  over  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets  (10  to  30  years  for  buildings  and  land 
improvements, and 3 to 10  years for equipment). Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line  method over the 
shorter  of  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  the  improvements  or  the  term  of  the  related  leases.  Interest  costs  associated  with  the 
construction  of  new  restaurants  are  capitalized.  Major  improvements  are  also  capitalized  while  repairs  and  maintenance  are 
expensed as incurred. We review our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying 
amounts  may  not be recoverable. For purposes of this assessment,  assets are evaluated at the  lowest level for  which there are 
identifiable  cash  flows.  If  the  future  undiscounted  cash  flows  of  an  asset  are  less  than  the  recorded  value,  an  impairment  is 
recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset. Refer to Note 3 for information 
regarding asset impairments. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 
Goodwill and indefinite life intangibles are not amortized, but are tested for potential impairment on an annual basis, or more 
often  if  events  or  circumstances  change  that  could  cause  goodwill  or  indefinite  life  intangibles  to  become  impaired.  Other 
purchased  intangible  assets  are  amortized  over  their  estimated  useful  lives,  generally  on  a  straight-line  basis.  We  perform 
reviews for impairment of intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an 
asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use 
of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying value. When an impairment is identified, we reduce the carrying 
value  of  the  asset  to  its  estimated  fair  value.  No  impairments  were  recorded  on  goodwill  or  indefinite  life  intangibles  during 
2015,  the  2014  and  2013  transition  periods,  or  during  fiscal  year  2014.    During  fiscal  year  2013,  the  Company  recorded  an 
impairment  related  to  the  trade  name  of  Western’s  company-operated  stores.    Refer  to  Note  8  for  information  regarding  our 
goodwill and other intangible assets. 

Operating Leases 
The  Company  leases  certain  property  under  operating  leases.  Many  of  these  lease  agreements  contain  rent  holidays,  rent 
escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease 
term,  including  cancellable  option  periods  when  failure  to  exercise  such  options  would  result  in  an  economic  penalty.  In 
addition, the rent commencement date  of the lease  term is the earlier  due date  when  we  become legally obligated for the  rent 
payments, the date when we take access to the property, or the grounds for build out. 

Common Stock and Treasury Stock 
The Company’s common stock is $0.50 stated value.  The following table presents shares authorized, issued and outstanding. 

41 

December 31, 2015December 31, 2014September 24, 2014September 25, 2013Common stock authorized ...............................................2,500,000        2,500,000        2,500,000        2,500,000        Common stock issued ......................................................2,142,2022,142,2022,142,2021,797,941Treasury stock held by the Company .............................(75,511)(76,616)(76,636)(77,159)Outstanding shares ...........................................................2,066,6912,065,5862,065,5661,720,782Proportional ownership of the Company's     common stock in the investment partnerships ...........(807,069)(197,533)(187,109)(132,406)Net outstanding shares for financial reporting purposes .1,259,6221,868,0531,878,4571,588,376 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Revenue Recognition 
Restaurant operations 
We record revenue from restaurant sales at the time of sale, net of discounts. Revenue from the sale of gift cards is deferred at 
the  time  of  sale  and  recognized  either  upon  redemption  by  the  customer  or  at  expiration  of  the  gift  cards.  Sales  revenues  are 
presented net of sales taxes. Unit franchise fees and area development fees are recorded as revenue when  said-related restaurant 
begins operations. Royalty fees and administrative services fees based on franchise sales are recognized  as revenue as earned.  
License revenue and rental revenues are recognized as revenue when earned. 

Restaurant operations revenues were as follows. 

Insurance premiums and commissions 
Insurance  premiums  are  earned  over  the  terms  of  the  related  policies.  Expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  acquiring  new 
insurance business, including acquisition costs, are charged to operations as incurred. Premiums earned are stated net of amounts 
ceded to reinsurer.  Commissions, gains and investment income  for 2015, the 2014 transition period and fiscal  year 2014 were 
not significant. 

Media advertising and other 
Magazine subscription and advertising revenues are recognized at the magazine cover date. The unearned portion of  magazine 
subscriptions is deferred until the magazine’s cover date, at which time a proportionate share of the gross subscription price is 
recognized as revenues, net of any commissions paid to subscription agents. Also included in subscription revenues are revenues 
generated from single-copy sales of magazines through retail outlets such as newsstands, supermarkets, convenience stores and 
drugstores and on certain digital devices, which may or may not result in future subscription sales. Revenues from retail outlet 
sales are recognized based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns. 

Other revenue 
Other  revenue  represents  realized  and  unrealized  gains/losses  on  investments  held  by  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships.  
Realized  gains/losses  from  the  disposal  of  investments  held  by  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  are  determined  by  specific 
identification of cost of investments sold.   

Restaurant Cost of Sales 
Cost  of  sales  includes  the  cost  of  food,  restaurant  operating  costs  and  restaurant  rent  expense.    Cost  of  sales  excludes 
depreciation and amortization, which is presented as a separate line item on the consolidated statement of earnings. 

Earnings Per Share 
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the  weighted average number of shares outstanding during the  year. In fiscal 
years  2014  and  2013,  Biglari  Holdings  completed  offerings  of  transferable  subscription  rights.    The  offerings  were 
oversubscribed  and  344,261  and  286,767  new  shares  of  common  stock  were  issued,  respectively.  The  Company  received  net 
proceeds of $85,873 and $75,595 from the offerings, respectively.  Earnings per share  for the 2013 transition period and fiscal 
year 2013 have been retroactively restated to account for the rights offerings.   

42 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Net sales ......................................................................799,660$     210,256$     200,407$     759,889$    736,968$   Franchise royalties and fees ........................................16,428         4,076           3,177           15,032        11,741       Other ...........................................................................3,650           1,316           858              3,234          3,210         819,738$     215,648$     204,442$     778,155$    751,919$   Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

For  periods  after  July  1,  2013,  the  shares  of  Company  stock  attributable  to  our  limited  partner  interest  in  the  investment 
partnerships  —  based  on  our  proportional  ownership  during  this  period  —  are  considered  treasury  stock  on  the  consolidated 
balance  sheet  and  thereby  deemed  not  to  be  included  in  the  calculation  of  weighted  average  common  shares 
outstanding.  However, these shares are legally outstanding. 

For financial reporting purposes during periods before July 1, 2013, all common shares of the Company held by the consolidated 
affiliated partnerships – including those attributable to the  unrelated  limited partners  –  were  recorded in  treasury  stock on the 
consolidated balance sheet.  In order to compute the weighted average common shares outstanding, only the shares of treasury 
stock  attributable  to  the  unrelated  limited  partners  of  the  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  —  based  on  their  proportional 
ownership during the period — were deemed outstanding shares. 

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares. 

Marketing Expense 
Advertising costs are charged to expense at the later of the date the expenditure is incurred or the date the promotional item is 
first communicated.  Marketing expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement 
of earnings. 

Insurance Losses 
Liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are established under insurance contracts issued by our insurance subsidiaries. 
These  losses  and  loss  adjustment  expenses  include  an  amount  for  reported  losses  and  an  amount  for  losses  incurred  but  not 
reported. Reserves for incurred but not reported losses are estimates based upon past experience.  Reinsurance contracts do not 
relieve  the  ceding  company  of  its  obligations  to  indemnify  policyholders  with  respect  to  the  underlying  insurance  contracts.  
Liabilities  for  insurance  losses  of  $2,796  and  $779  are  included  in  accrued  expenses  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of 
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. 

Insurance Reserves 
We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability, auto, directors’ and 
officers’ and medical liability insurance programs, and record a reserve for our estimated losses on all unresolved open claims 
and  our  estimated  incurred  but  not  reported  claims  at  the  anticipated  cost  to  us.  Insurance  reserves  are  recorded  in  accrued 
expenses in the consolidated balance sheet. 

43 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Basic earnings per share:Weighted average common shares  ..................................1,556,039 1,877,723 1,714,727    1,709,621  1,543,370   Diluted earnings per share:Weighted average common shares  ..................................1,556,039 1,877,723 1,714,727    1,709,621  1,543,370   Dilutive effect of stock awards  .......................................-            1,691        3,534           3,154         3,295          Weighted average common and incremental shares  ........1,556,039 1,879,414 1,718,261    1,712,775  1,546,665   Number of share-based awards excluded from thecalculation of earning per share as the awards'exercise prices were greater than the averagemarket price of the Company's common stock, orbecause they were anti-dilutive due to the Company'snet loss in 2015 ........................................................5,218        2,637        -               -             705             Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Savings Plans 
Several  of  our  subsidiaries  also  sponsor  deferred  compensation  and  defined  contribution  retirement  plans,  such  as  401(k)  or 
profit sharing plans.  Employee contributions to the plans are subject to regulatory limitations and the specific plan provisions. 
Some of the plans allow for discretionary contributions as determined by management.  Employer contributions expensed with 
respect to these plans were not material. 

Use of Estimates 
Preparation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  GAAP  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and 
assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes.  Actual  results 
could differ from the estimates. 

New Accounting Standards 
In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred 
Taxes.  The  new  guidance  requires  that  all  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities,  along  with  any  related  valuation  allowance,  be 
classified as noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued 
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. 
The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2015-17 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.  

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation 
of  Debt  Issuance  Costs.  The  update  requires  debt  issuance  costs  related  to  a  recognized  debt  liability  to  be  presented  in  the 
balance  sheet  as  a  direct  deduction  from  the  carrying  amount  of  that  debt  liability,  consistent  with  debt  discounts.  The 
recognition  and  measurement  guidance  for  debt  issuance  costs  are  not  affected  by  the  amendments  in  this  update.  The 
amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods 
within  those  fiscal  years.  The  Company  does  not  believe  the  adoption  of  ASU  2015-03  will  have  a  material  effect  on  its 
consolidated financial statements.  

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidations Analysis.  The amendments in this update 
provide  guidance  under  GAAP  about  limited  partnerships,  which  will  be  variable  interest  entities,  unless  the  limited  partners 
have  either  substantive  kick-out  rights  or  participation  rights.    It  also  changes  the  effect  that  fees  paid  to  a  decision  maker  or 
service provider have on consolidation analysis and amends how variable interests held by related parties affect the consolidation 
conclusion.  The amendments in this update are effective for the annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, 
beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted.  We are evaluating the effect this guidance will have on our 
consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern. The amendments in this 
update  provide  guidance  in  GAAP  about  management's  responsibility  to  evaluate  whether  there  is  substantial  doubt  about  an 
entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. In doing so, the amendments should 
reduce diversity in the timing and content of  footnote disclosures. The amendments in this  update  are effective for the  annual 
periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. 
The Company is evaluating the effect, if any, on its consolidated financial statements. 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and in August 2015 issued ASU 
No. 2015-14, which amended ASU No. 2014-09 as to its effective date. This update, as amended, provides a comprehensive new 
revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer 
at  an  amount  that  reflects  the  consideration  it  expects  to  receive  in  exchange  for  those  goods  or  services.  The  guidance  also 
requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer 
contracts. The update allows companies to use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach upon adoption and 
is effective for annual periods beginning after  December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein,  which  will require us  to adopt 
these provisions in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted.  We are evaluating which transition approach to use and 
the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 

In  April  2014,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2014-08,  Reporting  of  Discontinued  Operations  and  Disclosures  of  Disposals  of 
Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 provides a narrower definition of discontinued operations than under existing GAAP. 
ASU 2014-08 requires that only disposals of components of an entity (or groups of components) that represent a strategic shift 
that have or will have a major effect on the reporting entity’s operations are reported in the financial statements as discontinued 
operations.  ASU  2014-08  also  provides  guidance  on  the  financial  statement  presentations  and  disclosures  of  discontinued 
operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for disposals (or classifications of held-for-sale) of components of an entity 
that  occur  in  annual  or  interim  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2014.  The  adoption  of  ASU  2014-08  did  not  have  a 
material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

Note 2. Divestitures 

In  July  2013,  Biglari  Holdings  sold  all  of  the  outstanding  shares  of  Biglari  Capital  to  Mr.  Biglari  for  $1,700.    The Company 
recorded a gain on the sale of $1,597.  Biglari Capital is the general partner of the investment partnerships.  The Company also 
liquidated the partners’ interests in Western Acquisitions, L.P. by distributing assets of the partnership to the partners.   

Note 3. Impairment and Restaurant Closings 

During  2015,  Steak  n  Shake  recorded  an  asset  impairment  of  $51  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses.    No  asset 
impairment charges were recorded during the 2014 transition period.  During the 2013 transition period Steak n Shake recorded 
an asset impairment of $41.  Steak n Shake recorded asset impairment during fiscal years 2014 and 2013 of $1,433 and $1,666, 
respectively, in selling, general and administrative expenses.  Western recorded restaurant closing costs of $72 during the fiscal 
year  2013  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses.    Steak  n  Shake  did  not  close  any  company-operated  restaurants  in 
2015,  transition  period  2014  or  in  fiscal  year  2013.    Steak  n  Shake  closed  two  company-operated  restaurants  and  sold  two 
company-operated  restaurants  in  fiscal  year  2014.    Western  did  not  close  any  company-operated  restaurants  in  2015  or  in 
transition period 2014.  Western closed one company-operated restaurant in each of fiscal years 2014 and 2013. 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 4. Investments 

Investments consisted of the following. 

Investment  gains/losses  are  recognized  when  investments  are  sold  (as  determined  on  a  specific  identification  basis)  or  as 
otherwise required by GAAP. The timing of realized gains and losses from sales can have a material effect on periodic earnings. 
However, such realized gains or losses usually have little, if any, impact on total shareholders’ equity because the investments 
are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains/losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in 
shareholders’ equity.  We believe that realized investment gains/losses are often meaningless in terms of understanding reported 
results. Short-term investment gains/losses have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility in our results. 

Investment gains were as follows. 

The Company did not recognize any investment gains during 2015 or during the 2014 and 2013 transition periods. 

The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $29,524 ($18,305 net of tax) on a contribution of $74,418 in securities and $182,746 
($114,931  net  of  tax)  on  a  contribution  of  $375,936  in  securities  to  the  investment  partnerships  during  fiscal  years  2014  and 
2013,  respectively.    The  gains  had  a  material  accounting  effect  on  the  Company’s  fiscal  years  2014  and  2013  earnings.  
However, these gains had no impact on total shareholders’ equity because the investments were carried at fair value prior to the 
contribution, with the unrealized gains included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.   

In connection with the acquisition of First Guard during fiscal year 2014, we acquired $15,043 of investments.   

Note 5.  Investment Partnerships 

Beginning  July  1,  2013,  as  a  result  of  the  sale  of  Biglari  Capital  the  Company  reports  on  the  limited  partnership  interests  in 
investment partnerships under the equity method of accounting.  We record our proportional share of equity in the investment 
partnerships but exclude Company common stock held by said partnerships.  The Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock 
held  by  the  investment  partnerships  is  recorded  as  treasury  stock  even  though  they  are  legally  outstanding.   The  Company 
records gains/losses from investment partnerships (inclusive of the investment partnerships’ unrealized gains and losses on their 
securities)  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  based  on  our  carrying  value  of  these  partnerships.  The  fair  value  is 
calculated  net  of  the  general  partner’s  accrued  incentive  fees.    Gains  and  losses  on  Company  common  stock  included  in  the 
earnings of these partnerships are eliminated because they are recorded as treasury stock.  

46 

20152014Cost ...................................................................................................................................................24,842$           11,056$        Gross unrealized gains .......................................................................................................................10                    11                 Gross unrealized losses .....................................................................................................................(1,102)              (267)             Fair value ...........................................................................................................................................23,750$           10,800$        December 31,20142013Gain on contributions to investment partnerships ...................................................................................29,524$     182,746$   Gross realized gains on sales ....................................................................................................................-            1                Other than temporary impairment ...........................................................................................................-            (570)          Investment gains (including contributions) ...............................................................................................29,524$     182,177$   Fiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 5.  Investment Partnerships (continued) 

The fair value and adjustment for Company common stock held by the investment partnerships to determine carrying value of 
our partnership interest is presented below. 

The carrying value of the investment partnerships net of deferred taxes is presented below. 

The Company’s proportionate  share of Company stock  held by investment partnerships  at cost is  $332,827, $77,165, $73,207 
and  $54,613  at  December  31,  2015,  December  31,  2014,  September  24,  2014  and  September  25,  2013,  respectively,  and  is 
recorded as treasury stock. 

The carrying value of the partnership interest approximates fair value adjusted by the value of held Company stock.  Fair value is 
according to our proportional ownership interest of the fair value of investments held by the investment partnerships. The fair 
value measurement is classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.   

Gains/losses from investment partnerships recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings are presented below. 

47 

Fair ValueCompany Common StockCarryingValuePartnership interest at July 1, 2013 ...............................................................54,608$           43,580$           11,028$           Investment partnership gains  ......................................................................23,053             2,985               20,068             Contributions of cash and securities to investment partnerships ..........377,636           -                  377,636           Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held ..........................-                  11,033             (11,033)           Partnership interest at September 25, 2013 ..................................................455,297$         57,598$           397,699$         Investment partnership gains (losses) ........................................................1,436               (12,619)           14,055             Contributions of cash and securities (net of distributions of $10,340)....164,078           -                  164,078           Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held ..........................-                  18,594             (18,594)           Partnership interest at September 24, 2014 ..................................................620,811$         63,573$           557,238$         Investment partnership gains .......................................................................156,088           11,386             144,702           Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held ..........................-                  3,958               (3,958)             Partnership interest at December 31, 2014 ...................................................776,899$         78,917$           697,982$         Investment partnership losses .....................................................................(110,956)       (71,600)          (39,356)          Contributions of cash (net of distributions of $19,775) ..........................68,725           -                  68,725           Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held .........................-                  255,662         (255,662)       Partnership interest at December 31, 2015 .............................................734,668$      262,979$      471,689$      20152014Carrying value of investment partnerships .............................................................................................471,689$     697,982$     Deferred tax liability related to investment partnerships ........................................................................(115,952)      (141,836)      Carrying value of investment partnerships net of deferred taxes ............................................................355,737$     556,146$     December 31,20152014 2013 20142013(unaudited)Investment partnership gains (losses) ......................................(39,356)$  144,702$  23,493$    14,055$    20,068$    Tax expense (benefit) ................................................................(21,188)    53,511      7,977        1,739        6,772        Contribution to net earnings (loss) ...........................................(18,168)$  91,191$    15,516$    12,316$    13,296$    Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 5.  Investment Partnerships (continued) 

On  December  31  of  each  year,  the  general  partner  of  the  investment  partnerships,  Biglari  Capital,  will  earn  an  incentive 
reallocation  fee  for  the  Company’s  investments  equal  to  25%  of  the  net  profits  above  an  annual  hurdle  rate  of  6%  over  the 
previous high-water mark. Our policy is to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the year. The total incentive reallocation 
from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital includes gains on the Company’s common stock. The gains on the Company’s common 
stock  are  eliminated  in  our  financial  statements  and  the  incentive  reallocations  associated  with  gains  from  the  Company’s 
common stock are also eliminated in our financial statements. Our investments in these partnerships are committed on a rolling 
5-year basis.   

The incentive reallocations from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital on December 31 are presented below. 

Summarized financial information for The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. is presented below. 

Revenue  in  the  above  summarized  financial  information  of  the  investment  partnerships  includes  investment  income  and 
unrealized gains and losses on investments. 

48 

201520142013Incentive reallocation on investments other than Company common stock ...........................-$         34,406$    11,047$    Incentive reallocation on gains of Company common stock ...................................................23             -           3,655        Total incentive reallocation from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital ......................................23$           34,406$    14,702$    Lion FundLion Fund IITotal assets as of December 31, 2015 ................................................................................165,996$             819,323$             Total liabilities as of December 31, 2015 ..........................................................................409$                    141,274$             Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 ..............................................................(24,101)$              (100,357)$            Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2015 ..............................................................(24,247)$              (103,096)$            Biglari Holdings’ Ownership Interest ..............................................................................60.9%93.5%Total assets as of December 31, 2014 ....................................................................................187,078$             719,344$             Total liabilities as of December 31, 2014 ...............................................................................8,658$                 44$                      Revenue for the three months period ended December 31, 2014 ...........................................24,082$               182,923$             Earnings for the three months period ended December 31, 2014 ...........................................24,037$               182,902$             Biglari Holdings’ Ownership Interest ....................................................................................61.6%92.7%Total assets as of September 30, 2014 ...................................................................................154,561$             548,923$             Total liabilities as of September 30, 2014 ..............................................................................58$                      25$                      Revenue for the year ended September 30, 2014 ...................................................................(12,860)$              19,832$               Earnings for the year ended September 30, 2014 ...................................................................(12,950)$              19,789$               Biglari Holdings’ Ownership Interest ....................................................................................61.6%95.8%Total assets as of September 30, 2013 ...................................................................................126,121$             408,883$             Total liabilities as of September 30, 2013 ..............................................................................83$                      11$                      Revenue for the year ended September 30, 2013 ...................................................................9,200$                 25,109$               Earnings for the year ended September 30, 2013 ...................................................................9,170$                 25,098$               Biglari Holdings’ Ownership Interest ....................................................................................52.1%96.3%Equity in Investment Partnerships 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 5.  Investment Partnerships (continued) 

Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships 
Prior to July 2013, The Lion Fund, L.P. and Western Acquisitions, L.P. were referred to as consolidated affiliated partnerships of 
the  Company.    Certain  of  the  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  held  the  Company’s  common  stock  as  investments.  Net 
earnings  for  fiscal  year  2013  of  the  Company  included  the  realized  and  unrealized  appreciation  and  depreciation  of  the 
investments  held  by  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships,  other  than  realized  and  unrealized  appreciation  and  depreciation  of 
investments  the  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  held  in  the  Company’s  common  stock  which  were  eliminated  in 
consolidation.  The affiliated partnerships were no longer consolidated as of July 2013. 

Realized  investment  gains/losses  in  the  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships  arose  when  investments  were  sold.    The  net 
unrealized  and  realized  gains/losses  from  investments  held  by  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships,  other  than  holdings  of  the 
Company’s debt and equity securities, for the fiscal year ended September 25, 2013 were as follows. 

The limited partners of each of the investment funds had the ability to redeem their capital upon certain occurrences; therefore, 
the  ownership  of  the  investment  funds  held  by  the  limited  partners  was  presented  as  redeemable  noncontrolling  interests  of 
consolidated affiliated partnerships and measured at the greater of carrying value or fair value.     

The following is a reconciliation of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated affiliated partnerships for the 
fiscal year ended September 25, 2013. 

Note 6. Other Current Assets 

Other current assets include the following. 

49 

Fiscal Year2013Gross unrealized gains ..........................................................................................................................................3,746$               Gross unrealized losses ........................................................................................................................................(410)                   Net realized gains from sale ..................................................................................................................................261                    Other income ........................................................................................................................................................306                    Total .....................................................................................................................................................................3,903$               Carrying value at September 26, 2012 .................................................................................................................52,088$             Contributions from noncontrolling interests ........................................................................................................1,076                 Distributions to noncontrolling interests .............................................................................................................(2,302)                Incentive fee .........................................................................................................................................................(21)                     Income allocation ..................................................................................................................................................1,922                 Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value ...............................................................................................................................................4,810                 Adjustment to reflect deconsolidation of affiliated partnerships .........................................................................(57,573)              Carrying value at September 25, 2013 .................................................................................................................-$                   20152014Prepaid contractual obligations ..............................................................................................4,819$               5,194$               Deferred commissions on gift cards sold by third parties .....................................................3,124                 2,513                 Other current assets ...............................................................................................................7,943$               7,707$               December 31, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 7. Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment is composed of the following. 

Depreciation  and  amortization  expense  for  property  and  equipment  for  2015  was  $24,113.    Depreciation  and  amortization 
expense for property and equipment for the 2014 and 2013 transition periods was $6,380 and $6,105, respectively.  Depreciation 
and amortization expense for property and equipment for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 was $23,112 and $23,422, respectively. 

Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangibles 

Goodwill 
Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection  with business 
acquisitions.  

A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows.   

We  are  required  to  assess  goodwill  and  any  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  for  impairment  annually,  or  more  frequently  if 
circumstances  indicate  impairment  may  have  occurred.  The  analysis  of  potential  impairment  of  goodwill  requires  a  two-step 
approach. The first is the estimation of fair value of each reporting unit. If step one indicates that impairment potentially exists, 
the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment occurs when  the estimated fair 
value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. 

The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value require significant 
management judgments. We use both market and income approaches to derive fair value. The judgments in these two approaches 
include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  comparable  market  multiples,  long-term  projections  of  future  financial  performance,  and  the 
selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the 
application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.  No impairment charges for goodwill were 
recorded in 2015, the 2014 or 2013 transition periods or in fiscal years 2014 and 2013.  

50 

20152014Land  ......................................................................................................................................160,697$           162,731$           Buildings  ...............................................................................................................................156,909             159,799             Land and leasehold improvements  ........................................................................................165,042             162,887             Equipment  .............................................................................................................................199,934             221,880             Construction in progress  .......................................................................................................3,478                 5,307                   686,060             712,604             Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  ..................................................................(353,736)            (358,729)            Property and equipment, net  ................................................................................................332,324$           353,875$           December 31,RestaurantsOtherTotalGoodwill at September 26, 2012 ...............................................................................27,529$         -$                27,529$       Acquisitions during fiscal year 2013 .........................................................................722                -                  722              Goodwill at September 25, 2013 ...............................................................................28,251           -                  28,251         Acquisitions during fiscal year 2014 .........................................................................-                11,913            11,913         Goodwill at September 24, 2014 ...............................................................................28,251           11,913            40,164         Acquisitions during 2014 transition period ...............................................................-                -                  -              Goodwill at December 31, 2014 ................................................................................28,251           11,913            40,164         Change in foreign exchange rates during 2015...................................................(142)              -                  (142)            Goodwill at December 31, 2015 .............................................................................28,109$         11,913$          40,022$        
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangibles (continued) 

Other Intangibles 
Other intangibles are composed of the following. 

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of franchise agreements connected with the purchase of Western as well as rights 
to  favorable  leases  related  to  prior  acquisitions.  These  intangible  assets  are  being  amortized  over  their  estimated  weighted 
average of useful lives ranging from eight to twelve years.  

Amortization expense for 2015 was $574.  Amortization expense for the 2014 and 2013 transition periods was $151 and $169, 
respectively.  Amortization expense for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 was $690. Total annual amortization expense for each of the 
next five years will approximate $507. 

The Company acquired Maxim and First Guard during fiscal year 2014 and lease rights during fiscal year 2013.  As a result of 
the acquisitions during fiscal year 2014, $15,876 of the purchase prices were allocated to intangible assets with indefinite lives.   

Intangible assets with indefinite lives consist of trade names, franchise rights as well as lease rights.  During fiscal year 2013, the 
Company  recorded  an  impairment  loss  for  an  intangible  asset  of  $1,244  in  selling,  general  and  administrative.    This  number 
represents the trade name of Western’s company-operated stores, which we decided not to use any longer.  The calculation of 
fair value for the trade name was determined primarily by using a discounted cash flow analysis. 

Note 9. Other Assets 

Other  assets  primarily  include  non-qualified  plan  investments,  the  non-current  portion  of  capitalized  loan  acquisition  costs, 
restricted cash and bonds and the non-current portion of prepaid rent. 

51 

Gross carrying amountAccumulated amortizationTotalGross carrying amountAccumulated amortizationTotalFranchise agreement ............................5,310$     (3,054)$         2,256$     5,310$     (2,523)$       2,787$     Right to operate ...................................-           -                -           1,480       (1,480)         -           Other ...................................................810          (667)              143          810          (624)            186          Total ....................................................6,120       (3,721)           2,399       7,600       (4,627)         2,973       Intangible assets with indefinite lives:Trade names ........................................15,876     -                15,876     15,876     -              15,876     Other assets with indefinite lives.........3,398       -                3,398       3,907       -              3,907       Total intangible assets  ........................25,394$   (3,721)$         21,673$   27,383$   (4,627)$       22,756$   20152014December 31, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 10.  Accrued Expenses 

Accrued expenses include the following. 

Note 11. Other Liabilities 

Other liabilities include the following. 

Note 12. Income Taxes 

The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following. 

52 

20152014Salaries, wages, and vacation ...................................................................................................13,584$             11,409$             Taxes payable ..........................................................................................................................12,413               13,298               Gift card liability .....................................................................................................................22,358               16,068               Deferred revenue .....................................................................................................................8,514                 7,934                 Workers' compensation and other self-insurance accruals ......................................................8,485                 9,787                 Other .......................................................................................................................................9,075                 6,980                 Accrued expenses ....................................................................................................................74,429$             65,476$             December 31, 20152014Deferred rent expense ............................................................................................................6,658$               6,450$               Other .....................................................................................................................................4,253                 4,676                 Other liabilities ......................................................................................................................10,911$             11,126$             December 31,20152014201320142013(unaudited)Current:Federal  ..........................................................2,866$            752$               2,352$            571$               506$               State  .............................................................2,022              889                 475                 477                 1,748              Deferred .........................................................(26,476)          52,909            6,623              9,164              72,035            Total income taxes  .......................................(21,588)$        54,550$          9,450$            10,212$          74,289$          Reconciliation of effective income tax:    Tax at U.S. statutory rates (35%)  .................(13,100)$        50,960$          9,940$            13,656$          75,762$          State income taxes, net of federal benefit  ......(1,973)            4,186              840                 1,369              5,043              Federal income tax credits  .............................(4,837)            (995)               (960)               (4,298)            (4,249)            Tax attributed to noncontrolling interests  .....-                 -                 -                 -                 (666)               Dividends received deduction  .........................(6,142)            (341)               (880)               (3,650)            (2,647)            Valuation allowance .......................................919                 499                 180                 985                 -                 Foreign tax rate differences.............................3,180              606                 371                 1,993              -                 Other  ............................................................365                 (365)               (41)                 157                 1,046              Total income taxes  .......................................(21,588)$        54,550$          9,450$            10,212$          74,289$          Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 12. Income Taxes (continued) 

Income taxes paid during 2015 was $2,063. Income taxes paid for the 2014 transition period was $22.  Income taxes paid totaled 
$4,829 in fiscal year 2014 and $1,518 in fiscal year 2013. Income tax refunds totaled $16 in 2015, $17 in fiscal year 2014 and 
$52 in fiscal year 2013. 

As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $413 of unrecognized tax benefits, including approximately $35 of interest and 
penalties, which are included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.  As of December 31, 2014, we had 
approximately $453 of unrecognized tax benefits, including approximately $66 of interest and penalties, which are included in 
other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.  We recognized approximately $20 and $6 in potential interest and 
penalties  associated  with  uncertain  tax  positions  during  2015  and  the  2014  transition  period,  respectively.  Our  continuing 
practice is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The unrecognized tax 
benefits of $413 would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized. 

The following table summarizes the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties.  

We  file  income  tax  returns  which  are  periodically  audited  by  various  foreign,  federal,  state,  and  local  jurisdictions.  With  few 
exceptions, we are no longer subject to federal, state, and local tax examinations for fiscal years prior to 2012. We believe we 
have certain state income tax exposures related to fiscal years 2011 through 2014.  Because of the expiration of the various state 
statutes  of  limitations  for  these  fiscal  years,  it  is  possible  that  the  total  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  will  decrease  by 
approximately $148 within 12 months. 

53 

September 26, 2012 ................................................................................................................................................746$                  Gross increases – current period tax positions .......................................................................................................25                      Gross decreases – prior period tax positions ..........................................................................................................(6)                       Lapse of statute of limitations ................................................................................................................................(62)                     September 25, 2013 ................................................................................................................................................703                    Gross increases – current period tax positions .......................................................................................................37                      Gross decreases – prior period tax positions ..........................................................................................................(1)                       Lapse of statute of limitations ................................................................................................................................(356)                   September 24, 2014 ................................................................................................................................................383                    Gross increases – current period tax positions .......................................................................................................4                        Gross decreases – prior period tax positions ..........................................................................................................-                     Lapse of statute of limitations ................................................................................................................................-                     December 31, 2014 .................................................................................................................................................387                    Gross increases – current period tax positions .................................................................................................179                    Gross increases – prior period tax positions .....................................................................................................15                      Gross decreases – prior period tax positions .....................................................................................................(6)                       Lapse of statute of limitations ............................................................................................................................(197)                   December 31, 2015 ................................................................................................................................................378$                   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 12. Income Taxes (continued) 

Deferred tax assets and  liabilities are determined based on differences between  financial reporting and tax basis of assets and 
liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected 
to reverse. Our deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following. 

Receivables on the consolidated balance sheet include income tax receivables of $559 and $3,439 as of December 31, 2015 and 
2014, respectively.   

In September 2013, the IRS issued final and proposed regulations under IRC Sections 162, 263(a), and 168.  These regulations 
provide guidance regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property and the disposition  of 
tangible depreciable property.  The regulations are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014 and 
taxpayers will be allowed to rely on, and early adopt, both the final regulations and the proposed disposition rules to facilitate 
implementation efforts.  The application of the  new regulations did not have a  material  effect on the  Company’s consolidated 
financial statements. 

54 

20152014Deferred tax assets:Insurance reserves ..................................................................................................................2,878$               3,394$               Compensation accruals ..........................................................................................................1,610                 1,321                 Gift card accruals ...................................................................................................................2,981                 790                    Net operating loss credit carryforward ..................................................................................3,444                 2,525                 Valuation allowance on net operating losses ..........................................................................(3,384)                (2,465)                Income tax credit carryforward ..............................................................................................4,344                 3,914                 Other ......................................................................................................................................1,642                 3,085                 Total deferred tax assets ........................................................................................................13,515               12,564               Deferred tax liabilities:Investments ............................................................................................................................115,545             141,713             Fixed asset basis difference ....................................................................................................6,311                 4,621                 Goodwill and intangibles ........................................................................................................3,526                 4,943                 Total deferred tax liabilities ....................................................................................................125,382             151,277             Net deferred tax liability ........................................................................................................(111,867)            (138,713)            Less current portion ...............................................................................................................13,263               12,019               Long-term liability .................................................................................................................(125,130)$          (150,732)$          December 31, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 13. Notes Payable and Other Borrowings 

Notes payable and other borrowings include the following. 

Steak n Shake Credit Facility 
On March 19, 2014, Steak n Shake and its subsidiaries entered into a new credit agreement. This credit agreement provides for a 
senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $220,000 and a senior secured revolving credit facility in an 
aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000. 

The term loan is scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021. It amortizes at an annual rate of 1.0% in equal quarterly installments, 
beginning June 30, 2014, at 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan,  subject to  mandatory prepayments from 
excess  cash  flow,  asset  sales  and  other  events  described  in  the  credit  agreement.    The  balance  will  be  due  at  maturity.    The 
revolver will be available on a revolving basis until March 19, 2019.  

Steak n Shake has the right to request an incremental term loan facility from participating lenders and/or eligible assignees at any 
time, up to an aggregate total principal amount not to exceed $70,000 if certain customary conditions within the credit agreement 
are met. 

Borrowings  bear  interest  at  a  rate  per  annum  equal  to  a  base  rate  or  a  Eurodollar  rate  (minimum  of  1%)  plus  an  applicable 
margin. Interest on the term loan is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% or on the prime rate plus an 
applicable margin of 2.75%. Interest on loans under the revolver is based on a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging 
from 2.75% to 4.25% or on the prime rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 3.25%. The applicable margins on 
revolver loans are contingent on Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio. The revolver also carries a commitment fee ranging from 
0.40% to 0.50% per annum, according to Steak n Shake’s total leverage ratio, on the unused portion of the revolver. 

The interest rate on the term loan was 4.75% on December 31, 2015. 

The  credit  agreement  includes  customary  affirmative  and  negative  covenants  and  events  of  default,  as  well  as  a  financial 
maintenance covenant, solely with respect to the revolver, relating to the maximum total leverage ratio. Steak n Shake’s credit 
facility contains restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to Biglari Holdings. 

Both the term loan and the revolver have been secured by first priority security interests in substantially all the assets of Steak n 
Shake. Biglari Holdings is  not a guarantor under the  credit facility.  Approximately $118,589 of the proceeds of the term loan 
were  used to repay all outstanding amounts under Steak n Shake’s former credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses, 
$50,000  of  such  proceeds  were  used  to  pay  a  cash  dividend  to  Biglari  Holdings,  and  the  remaining  term  loan  proceeds  of 
approximately $51,411 are being used by Steak n Shake for working capital and general corporate purposes.  As of December 
31, 2015, $212,375 was outstanding under the term loan, and no amount was outstanding under the revolver.   

55 

20152014Notes payable ........................................................................................................................2,200$               2,200$               Unamortized original issue discount ......................................................................................(296)                   (287)                   Obligations under leases .........................................................................................................5,787                 6,422                 Western revolver ....................................................................................................................786                    980                    Total current portion of notes payable and other borrowings ...............................................8,477$               9,315$               Notes payable ........................................................................................................................210,175$           216,150$           Unamortized original issue discount ......................................................................................(1,403)                (1,694)                Obligations under leases .........................................................................................................90,178               98,139               Total long-term notes payable and other borrowings.............................................................298,950$           312,595$           December 31, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 13. Notes Payable and Other Borrowings (continued) 

We recorded losses of $1,133 in interest expense for the extinguishment of debt for fiscal year 2014 related to the write-off of 
deferred loan costs associated with former credit facilities.  We capitalized $4,754 in debt issuance costs in fiscal year 2014.   

We had $10,188 in standby letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 

Western Revolver 
As of December 31, 2015, Western has $786 due June 13, 2016. 

Interest Rate Swap 
During  fiscal year 2013, Steak n Shake entered into an interest rate swap for  a notional amount of $65,000 which matured on 
September  30,  2015.  During  fiscal  year  2011,  Steak  n  Shake  entered  into  an  interest  rate  swap  agreement  which  matures  on 
February 15, 2016. The notional amount of the interest rate swap was $1,000 with a fair value of $2 on December 31, 2015. 

The  carrying  amounts  for  debt  reported  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  did  not  differ  materially  from  their  fair  values  at 
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The fair value was determined to be a Level 3 fair value measurement. 

Expected principal payments for notes payable and Western’s revolver as of December 31, 2015, are as follows. 

2016  .....................  $   
2017  ..................... 
2018  ..................... 
2019  ..................... 
2020  ..................... 
2021  ..................... 
Total  .....................  $ 

2,986 
2,200 
2,200 
2,200 
2,200 
201,375 
213,161 

Interest 
No interest was capitalized in connection with financing additions to property and equipment during 2015 and the 2014 and 2013 
transition periods. Interest paid on debt amounted to $10,186 for 2015, $2,841 for the 2014 transition period and $1,956 for the 
2013 transition period.  Interest paid on obligations under leases was  $9,422, $2,577, and $2,612 for 2015, the 2014 transition 
period,  and  the  2013  transition  period,  respectively.  No  interest  was  capitalized  in  connection  with  financing  additions  to 
property  and  equipment  during  fiscal  years  2014  and  2013.  Interest  paid  on  debt  amounted  to  $8,158  in  fiscal  year  2014  and 
$4,950  in  fiscal  year  2013.  Interest  paid  on  obligations  under  leases  was  $9,720  and  $9,829  in  fiscal  years  2014  and  2013, 
respectively. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 14. Leased Assets and Lease Commitments 

We lease certain physical facilities under non-cancelable lease agreements. These leases require the payment of real estate taxes, 
insurance  and  maintenance  costs.  Certain  leased  facilities,  which  are  no  longer  operated  but  are  subleased  to  third  parties  or 
franchisees, are classified below as non-operating properties. Minimum future rental payments for non-operating properties have 
not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $10,863 related to operating leases receivable under non-cancelable subleases. 
The property and equipment cost related to finance obligations and capital leases as of December 31, 2015 is as follows: $69,919 
buildings, $59,678 land, $28,157 land and leasehold improvements, $2,312 equipment and $72,474 accumulated depreciation.  

On December 31, 2015, obligations under non-cancelable finance obligations, capital leases, and operating leases (excluding real 
estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs) require the following minimum future rental payments. 

Operating Leases 

   Finance 

Capital 
Leases 

Operating 
Property 

Non-Operating 
Property 

  Total 

Obligations   

Year 
2016  .........................................................................................................     $ 
670 
2017  .........................................................................................................      
753 
12,953     
2018  .........................................................................................................      
861 
10,704     
2019  .........................................................................................................      
898 
8,516     
2020  .........................................................................................................    
969 
4,805    
After 2020  ...............................................................................................    
 6,832     
 6,954 
Total minimum future rental payments  ...................................................   
58,653    $  119,900    $             11,105 
Less amount representing interest  ...........................................................   
 34,377  
Total principal obligations under leases  ..................................................   
 24,276    
Less current portion  .................................................................................    
5,787    
Non-current principal obligations under leases  .......................................    
 18,489    
 71,689    
Residual value at end of lease term  .........................................................    
Obligations under leases  ..........................................................................     $   89,809    $          369    $  90,178    

394    $  14,843    $   16,323    $ 
   14,686     
 320     
   13,912     
 66     
   12,554     
 —     
  11,439     
—   
—   
50,986   
780  
  50   
730   
361   
  369   
  —   

14,449    $  
12,633     
10,638     
8,516     
4,805    
 6,832    
57,873   
 34,327   
23,546   
 5,426   
 18,120   
 71,689   

Rent expense is presented below. 

Non-cancellable finance obligations were created when the Company, under prior management, entered into certain build-to-suit 
or  sale  leaseback  arrangements.  As  a  result  of  continuing  involvement  in  the  underlying  leases  (generally  due  to  right  of 
substitution or purchase option provisions of the leases), the Company accounts for the leases as financings.  

57 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Minimum rent ................................................18,476$          5,069$            4,706$            18,322$          17,097$          Contingent rent..............................................2,022              356                 295                 1,549              1,356              Rent expense..................................................20,498$          5,425$            5,001$            19,871$          18,453$          Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 15. Related Party Transactions 

On  July  1,  2013,  Biglari  Holdings  entered  into  the  following  agreements  with  Mr.  Biglari,  its  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive 
Officer:  (i) a Stock Purchase Agreement for the sale of Biglari Capital to Mr. Biglari; (ii) a Shared Services Agreement with 
Biglari  Capital,  and  (iii)  a  First  Amendment  to  the  Amended  and  Restated  Incentive  Bonus  Agreement,  dated  September  28, 
2010,  with  Mr.  Biglari  (the  “Incentive  Agreement  Amendment”).  The  transactions  contemplated  thereby  were  unanimously 
approved by the independent Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company 
(the  “Committee”),  which  retained  separate  counsel,  tax/accounting  advisors,  an  independent  compensation  consultant,  and  a 
financial advisor to assist the Committee in the structuring, evaluation, and negotiation of such transactions. 

Stock Purchase Agreement 
Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, Biglari Holdings sold all the shares of Biglari Capital to Mr. Biglari for a purchase 
price of $1,700 in cash (the “Biglari Capital Transaction”) and recorded a gain of $1,597.  Prior to the execution and delivery of 
the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  Biglari  Capital  distributed  to  the  Company  substantially  all  of  Biglari  Capital’s  partnership 
interests  in  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  (including,  without  limitation,  Biglari  Capital’s  adjusted  capital  balance  in  its  capacity  as 
general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P., which totaled $5,721). Biglari Capital thus retained solely a general partner interest  in 
each of The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. at the time of the Biglari Capital Transaction.  

Shared Services Agreement 
Connected with the Biglari Capital Transaction, Biglari Holdings and Biglari Capital entered into the Shared Services Agreement 
pursuant  to  which  Biglari  Holdings  provides  certain  services  to  Biglari  Capital  in  exchange  for  a  6%  hurdle  rate  for  Biglari 
Holdings and its subsidiaries (as compared to a 5% hurdle rate for all other limited partners) in order to determine the incentive 
reallocation  to  Biglari  Capital,  as  general  partner  of  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  and  The  Lion  Fund  II,  L.P.,  under  their  respective 
partnership agreements. The incentive reallocation to Biglari Capital is equal to 25% of the net profits allocated to the limited 
partners in excess of their applicable hurdle rate over the previous high-water mark. The Shared Services Agreement runs for an 
initial five-year term, and automatically renews for successive five-year periods, unless terminated by either party effective at the 
end  of  the  initial  or  the  renewed  term,  as  applicable.  The  term  of  the  Shared  Services  Agreement  coincides  with  the  lock-up 
period  for  the  Company’s  investments  in  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  and  The  Lion  Fund  II,  L.P.  under  their  respective  partnership 
agreements.  During 2015, the 2014 transition period and fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company provided services for Biglari 
Capital under the Shared Services Agreement costing an aggregate of $4,425, $44, $1,590 and $101, respectively.   

Investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. 
During 2015 the Company contributed cash of $88,500. During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company contributed cash and 
securities it owned with an aggregate value of $174,418 and $377,636, respectively, in exchange for limited partner interests in 
The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s investments in The Lion Fund, L.P. 
and The Lion Fund II, L.P. had a fair value of $734,668.    

As  the  general  partner  of  the  investment  partnerships,  Biglari  Capital  on  December  31  of  each  year  will  earn  an  incentive 
reallocation fee for the Company’s investments equal to 25% of the net profits above an annual hurdle rate of 6%. Our policy is 
to  accrue  an  estimated  incentive  fee  throughout  the  year. For  calendar  year  2015,  the  incentive  reallocation  from  Biglari 
Holdings to Biglari Capital was $23, all of which was associated with gains on the Company’s common stock. Based on Biglari 
Holdings’ $166,168 of earnings  from the investment partnerships  for calendar  year 2014, the total incentive reallocation from 
Biglari  Holdings  to  Biglari  Capital  was  $34,406.  Based  on  Biglari  Holdings’  $74,526  of  earnings  from  the  investment 
partnerships  for  calendar  year  2013,  the  total  incentive  reallocation  from  Biglari  Holdings  to  Biglari  Capital  was  $14,702, 
including $3,655 associated with gains on the Company’s common stock. Gains on the Company’s common stock are eliminated 
in our financial statements. As of September 25, 2013, the Company accrued $5,033 for the incentive fee for Biglari Capital. No 
amount was accrued as of September 24, 2014 because net profits for the calendar year to date did not exceed the hurdle.      

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 15. Related Party Transactions (continued) 

Incentive Agreement Amendment 
Also in connection with the Biglari Capital Transaction, Biglari Holdings and Mr. Biglari entered into the Incentive Agreement 
Amendment which amends the Amended and Restated Incentive Bonus Agreement with Mr. Biglari to reflect and give effect to 
the  Biglari  Capital  Transaction,  which  excludes  earnings  by  the  investment  partnerships  from  the  calculation  of  Mr.  Biglari’s 
incentive bonus.  

License Agreement 
On January 11, 2013, the Company entered into  a Trademark License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Mr. Biglari. 
The License Agreement was unanimously approved by the Committee. In addition, the license under the License Agreement is 
provided  on  a royalty-free  basis  in  the  absence  of  specified  extraordinary  events  described  below.  Accordingly,  the  Company 
and its subsidiaries have paid no royalties to Mr. Biglari under the License Agreement since its inception.   

Under the License Agreement, Mr. Biglari granted to the Company an exclusive license to use the Biglari and Biglari Holdings 
names (the “Licensed Marks”) in association with various products and services (collectively the “Products and Services”). Upon 
(a)  the  expiration  of  twenty  years  from  the  date  of  the  License  Agreement  (subject  to  extension  as  provided  in  the  License 
Agreement), (b) Mr. Biglari’s death, (c) the termination of Mr. Biglari’s employment by the Company for Cause (as defined in 
the  License  Agreement),  or  (d)  Mr.  Biglari’s  resignation  from  his  employment  with  the  Company  absent  an  Involuntary 
Termination Event (as defined in the License Agreement), the Licensed Marks for the Products and Services will transfer from 
Mr. Biglari to the Company, without any compensation, if the Company is continuing to use the Licensed Marks in the ordinary 
course of its business. Otherwise, the rights will revert to Mr. Biglari. 

If  (i)  a  Change  of  Control  (as  defined  in  the  License  Agreement)  of  the  Company;  (ii)  the  termination  of  Mr.  Biglari’s 
employment by the Company without Cause; or (iii) Mr. Biglari’s resignation from his employment with the Company due to an 
Involuntary  Termination  Event  (each,  a  “Triggering  Event”)  were  to  occur,  Mr.  Biglari  would  be  entitled  to  receive  a  2.5% 
royalty on “Revenues” with respect to the “Royalty Period.” The royalty payment to Mr. Biglari would not apply to all revenues 
received by Biglari Holdings and its subsidiaries nor would it apply retrospectively (i.e., to revenues received with respect to the 
period prior to the Triggering Event). The royalty would apply to revenues recorded by the Company on an accrual basis under 
GAAP, solely with respect to the defined period of time after the Triggering Event equal to the Royalty Period, from a covered 
Product, Service or business that (1) has used the  Biglari Holdings or Biglari name at any time during the term of the License 
Agreement,  whether prior to or after a Triggering Event,  or (2) the Company has specifically identified, prior to a Triggering 
Event, will use the name Biglari or Biglari Holdings. 

 “Revenues” means all revenues received, on an accrual basis under GAAP, by the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates from 
the following: (1) all Products and Services covered by the License Agreement bearing or associated with the names Biglari and 
Biglari Holdings at any time (whether prior to or after a Triggering Event). This category would include, without limitation,  the 
use of Biglari or Biglari Holdings in the public name of a business providing any covered Product or Service; and (2) all covered 
Products, Services and businesses that the Company has specifically identified, prior to a Triggering Event, will bear, use or be 
associated with the name Biglari or Biglari Holdings. 

The  Committee  unanimously  approved  the  association  of  the  Biglari  name  and  mark  with  all  of  Steak  n  Shake’s  restaurants 
(including Company operated and franchised locations), products and brands. On May 14, 2013, the Company, Steak n Shake, 
LLC and Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc. entered into a Trademark Sublicense Agreement in connection therewith.  Accordingly, 
revenues received by the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates from Steak n Shake’s restaurants, products and brands would 
come within the definition of Revenues for purposes of the License Agreement.  

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 15. Related Party Transactions (continued) 

The “Royalty Period” is a defined period of time, after the Triggering Event, calculated as follows: (i) if, following three  months 
after  a  Triggering  Event,  the  Company  or  any  of  its  subsidiaries  or  affiliates  continues  to  use  the  Biglari  or  Biglari  Holdings 
name in connection with any covered product or service, or continues to use Biglari as part of its corporate or public company 
name,  then  the  “Royalty  Period”  will  equal  (a)  the  period  of  time  during  which  the  Company  or  any  of  its  subsidiaries  or 
affiliates continues any such use, plus (b) a period of time after the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates have ceased all uses 
of the names Biglari and Biglari Holdings equal to the length of the term of the License Agreement prior to the Triggering Event, 
plus  three  years.  As  an  example,  if  a  Triggering  Event  occurs  five  years  after  the  date  of  the  License  Agreement,  and  the 
Company ceases all uses of the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names two years after the Triggering Event, the Royalty Period will 
equal a total of ten years (the sum of two years after the Triggering Event during which the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names 
are  being  used,  plus  a  period  of  time  equal  to  the  five  years  prior  to  the  Triggering  Event,  plus  three  years);  or  (ii)  if  the 
Company,  its  subsidiaries  and  affiliates  cease  all  uses  of  the  Biglari  and  Biglari  Holdings  names  within  three  months  after  a 
Triggering Event, then the “Royalty Period” will equal the length of the term of the License Agreement prior to the Triggering 
Event, plus three years. As an example, if a Triggering Event occurs five years after the date of the License Agreement, and  the 
Company ceases all uses of the Biglari and Biglari Holdings names two months after the Triggering Event, the Royalty Period 
will equal a total of eight years (the sum of the period of time equal to the five years prior to the Triggering Event, plus  three 
years). Notwithstanding the above methods of determining the Royalty Period, the minimum Royalty Period is five years after a 
Triggering Event. 

Note 16. Common Stock Plans  

On  March  7,  2008,  our  shareholders  approved  the  2008  Equity  Incentive  Plan.    During  fiscal  2010,  we  resolved  to  suspend, 
indefinitely, the future issuance of stock-based awards under the 2008 plan.  No shares have been granted under the 2008 plan 
since  2010.   To  date, 11,660 restricted  stock  awards  have  vested  and  10,235  stock  options  have  been  granted  under  the  2008 
plan.   

The following table summarizes the options activity under all of our stock option plans. 

There was no unrecognized stock option compensation cost at December 31, 2015.  No amounts were charged to expense during 
2015, the 2014 or 2013 transition periods, or during fiscal years 2014 or 2013.   

60 

OptionsWeighted Average Exercise PriceWeighted Average Remaining Contractual LifeAggregate Intrinsic ValueOutstanding at December 31, 2014 .........................................7,263          $        275.00 Exercised ..................................................................................(1,245)        $        227.49 Canceled or forfeited ...............................................................(800)           $        371.24 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 .........................................5,218          $        271.58                       1.28  $         365 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2015 ..................5,218          $        271.58                       1.28  $         365 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 ...........................................5,218          $        271.58                       1.28  $         365  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies 

We are involved in various legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending. We believe, based on examination of 
these matters and experiences to date, that the ultimate liability, if any, in excess of amounts already provided in our consolidated 
financial statements is not likely to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.  

In 2013 two shareholders of the Company filed derivative actions putatively on behalf of the Company against the members of 
our  Board  of  Directors  in  the  United  States  District  Courts  for  the  Southern  District  of  Indiana  and  the  Western  District  of 
Texas.  The actions were consolidated in the Southern District of Indiana in 2014.  On March 18, 2015, the United States District 
Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  Indiana  granted  a  motion  to  dismiss  the  derivative  actions  in  favor  of  the  Company.   In 
addition, the Court issued judgment on all counts in favor of the Company and its directors.   

The  two  shareholders  appealed  the  Southern  District  of  Indiana  Court’s  March  18,  2015  decision.  On  February  17,  2016,  the 
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed the decision of the district court dismissing, in their entirety, all 
claims made against the Company and its Board of Directors. 

Note 18. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities 

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. Considerable 
judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the fair values 
presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in an actual current market exchange. The use  of 
alternative  market  assumptions  and/or  estimation  methodologies  may  have  a  material  effect  on  the  estimated  fair  value.  The 
hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.  

  Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.  

  Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for 
similar  assets  or  liabilities  exchanged  in  active  or  inactive  markets;  quoted  prices  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities 
exchanged  in  inactive  markets;  other  inputs  that  may  be  considered  in  fair  value  determinations  of  the  assets  or 
liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default 
rates;  and  inputs  that  are  derived  principally  from  or  corroborated  by  observable  market  data  by  correlation  or  other 
means. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for 
instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations and yields for other instruments of 
the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.  

  Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required 
to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or 
liabilities and we may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management 
to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing 
assets or liabilities.  

61 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 18. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

The following methods and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of each class of the following assets and liabilities 
recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet: 

Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds which are classified within Level 1 of the fair value 
hierarchy. 

Equity securities: The Company’s investments in equity securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.   

Bonds: The Company’s investments in bonds are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Non-qualified  deferred  compensation  plan  investments:  The  assets  of  the  non-qualified  plan  are  set  up  in  a  rabbi  trust.  They 
represent mutual funds and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Interest rate swaps: Interest rate swaps are marked to market each reporting period and are classified within Level 2 of the fair 
value hierarchy.  

As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 the fair values of financial assets and liabilities were as follows. 

There were no changes in our valuation techniques used to measure fair values on a recurring basis.   

The Company recorded an impairment to  long-lived assets of $51 during 2015.  The Company  did not record any  impairment 
during the 2014 transition period.  The Company recorded an impairment of $41 during the 2013 transition period.  During fiscal 
years 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded impairments on long-lived assets of $1,433 and $1,666, respectively. The fair value 
of the long-lived assets was determined based on Level 2 inputs using quoted prices for similar properties and quoted prices for 
the properties from brokers. The fair value of the assets impaired was not material for any of the applicable periods. 

During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded impairment on intangible assets of $1,244.  The fair value was determined based 
on  a  discounted  cash  flow  analysis  which  is  a  level  3  measurement.    The  fair  value  of  the  trade  name  was  not  material  at 
impairment. 

62 

Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalAssetsCash equivalents ...........................700$      -$       -$     700$      11,227$ -$       -$     11,227$ Equity securities:   Insurance ...................................5,046     -         -       5,046     5,781     -         -       5,781     Bonds............................................-         21,304   -       21,304   -         7,644     -       7,644     Non-qualified deferredcompensation plan investments..2,203     -         -       2,203     1,958     -         -       1,958     Total assets at fair value ...............7,949$   21,304$ -$     29,253$ 18,966$ 7,644$   -$     26,610$ LiabilitiesInterest rate swaps ........................-$       2$          -$     2$          -$       175$      -$     175$      Total liabilities at fair value ..........-$       2$          -$     2$          -$       175$      -$     175$      20152014December 31, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 19.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 

Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows. 

The  following  reclassifications  were  made  from  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  to  the  consolidated  statement  of 
earnings. 

63 

Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsInvestment GainAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossForeign Currency Translation AdjustmentsInvestment GainAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossBeginning Balance ..........................(620)$           (163)$         (783)$                 (574)$         52$          (522)$              Other comprehensive loss beforereclassifications ...........................(2,372)          (565)           (2,937)                (46)             (215)         (261)                Reclassification to (earnings) loss ...-               41              41                      -             -           -                  Ending Balance ..............................(2,992)$        (687)$         (3,679)$              (620)$         (163)$       (783)$              Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsInvestment GainAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome (Loss)Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsInvestment GainAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome (Loss)Beginning Balance ..........................8$                 21,449$     21,457$             -$           43,897$   43,897$          Other comprehensive income (loss)before reclassifications ................(582)             (3,056)        (3,638)                8                92,198     92,206            Reclassification to (earnings) loss ...-               (18,341)      (18,341)              -             (114,646)  (114,646)         Ending Balance ..............................(574)$           52$            (522)$                 8$              21,449$   21,457$          2015Transition Period 2014Fiscal Year 2014Fiscal Year 2013Reclassifications from Accumulated  Other Comprehensive Income2015TransitionPeriod2014Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of EarningsInvestment loss-$                      -$                      Investment gains (including contributions)(62)                        -                        Insurance premiums and other(21)                        -                        Income tax expense (benefit)(41)$                      -$                      Net of taxReclassifications from Accumulated  Other Comprehensive IncomeFiscalYear2014FiscalYear2013Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of EarningsInvestment gain29,524$                182,286$              Investment gains (including contributions)54                         -                        Insurance premiums and other11,237                  67,640                  Income tax expense (benefit)18,341$                114,646$              Net of tax 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 20. Business Segment Reporting 

Our  reportable  business  segments  are  organized  in  a  manner  that  reflects  how  management  views  those  business  activities. 
Certain businesses have been grouped together for segment reporting based upon operations even though those business units are 
operated under separate management. 

Our  restaurant  operations  includes  Steak  n  Shake  and  Western. As  a  result  of  the  acquisitions  of  Maxim  and  First  Guard,  the 
Company  reports  segment  information  for  these  businesses. Prior  to  2015,  other  business  activities  not  specifically  identified 
with reportable business segments were presented in corporate. Beginning in 2015, such other business activities are presented in 
other  within  total  operating  businesses.   Prior  periods  have  been  reclassified  to  conform  to  the  current  year  presentation.  We 
report our earnings from investment partnerships separate from corporate.    

We  assess  and  measure  segment  operating  results  based  on  segment  earnings  as  disclosed  below.  Segment  earnings  from 
operations are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements, nor are they synonymous with cash flow 
from operations. 

The tabular information that follows shows data of our reportable segments reconciled to amounts reflected in the consolidated 
financial statements.  

A  disaggregation  of  select  data  from  our  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  for  2015,  transition  periods  2014  and 2013,  and 
fiscal years 2014 and 2013 is presented in the tables that follow.   

64 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 20. Business Segment Reporting (continued) 

Revenue  and  earnings  (loss)  before  income  taxes  for  2015,  transition  periods  2014  and 2013,  and  fiscal  years  2014  and  2013 
were as follows. 

65 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Operating Businesses:Restaurant Operations:Steak n Shake ........................................805,771$        212,369$        201,483$        765,600$        737,090$        Western ................................................13,967            3,279              2,959              12,555            14,829            Total Restaurant Operations ....................819,738          215,648          204,442          778,155          751,919          First Guard ...............................................17,232            3,574              -                 5,715              -                 Maxim .....................................................24,482            5,228              -                 9,941              -                 Total Operating Businesses..........................861,452          224,450          204,442          793,811          751,919          Consolidated Affiliated Partnerships ...........-                 -                 -                 -                 3,903              861,452$        224,450$        204,442$        793,811$        755,822$        20152014201320142013(unaudited)Operating Businesses:Restaurant Operations:Steak n Shake ...........................................39,749$          10,172$          9,461$            26,494$          28,376$          Western ...................................................1,849              394                 329                 1,765              511                 Total Restaurant Operations .......................41,598            10,566            9,790              28,259            28,887            First Guard ..................................................3,529              906                 -                 1,461              -                 Maxim ........................................................(18,105)          (5,498)            -                 (15,981)          -                 Other...........................................................564                 3                     21                   500                 4,748              Total Operating Businesses ............................27,586            5,977              9,811              14,239            33,635            Corporate and investments:Corporate ...................................................(13,722)          (1,807)            (3,264)            (8,503)            (14,465)          Investment gains (including contributions) ..-                 -                 -                 29,524            183,774          Investment partnership gains (loss) .............(39,356)          144,702          23,493            14,055            20,068            Total corporate .............................................(53,078)          142,895          20,229            35,076            189,377          Interest expense on notespayable and other borrowings ......................(11,939)          (3,272)            (1,641)            (10,299)          (6,551)            (37,431)$        145,600$        28,399$          39,016$          216,461$        Transition PeriodTransition PeriodRevenueFiscal YearEarnings (Loss) Before Income TaxesFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 20. Business Segment Reporting (continued) 

A disaggregation of our consolidated capital expenditure and depreciation and amortization captions for 2015, transition periods 
2014 and 2013, and fiscal years 2014 and 2013 is presented in the tables that follow. 

66 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Operating Businesses:Restaurant Operations:Steak n Shake ...........................................8,434$            8,733$            4,997$            25,398$          6,337$            Western ...................................................43                   -                 11                   1,113              64                   Total Restaurant Operations .......................8,477              8,733              5,008              26,511            6,401              First Guard ..................................................102                 10                   -                 -                 -                 Maxim ........................................................16                   57                   -                 312                 -                 Other...........................................................2,486              7                     275                 6,840              6,235              Total Operating Businesses ............................11,081            8,807              5,283              33,663            12,636            Corporate ...................................................2                     9                     -                 2,149              1,531              Consolidated results ........................................11,083$          8,816$            5,283$            35,812$          14,167$          20152014201320142013(unaudited)Operating Businesses:Restaurant Operations:Steak n Shake ...........................................23,045$          6,289$            6,274$            23,402$          24,230$          Western ...................................................691                 172                 160                 662                 693                 Total Restaurant Operations .......................23,736            6,461              6,434              24,064            24,923            First Guard ..................................................36                   30                   -                 38                   -                 Maxim ........................................................296                 151                 -                 211                 -                 Other...........................................................412                 116                 34                   279                 -                 Total Operating Businesses ............................24,480            6,758              6,468              24,592            24,923            Corporate ...................................................300                 70                   98                   313                 327                 Consolidated results ........................................24,780$          6,828$            6,566$            24,905$          25,250$          Transition PeriodFiscal YearCapital ExpendituresTransition PeriodFiscal YearDepreciation and Amortization 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 20. Business Segment Reporting (continued) 

A disaggregation of our consolidated asset captions is presented in the table that follows. 

67 

20152014Reportable segments:Restaurant Operations:Steak n Shake ......................................................................................................................409,505$           422,784$           Western ...............................................................................................................................17,626               19,241               Total Restaurant Operations .................................................................................................427,131             442,025             First Guard .............................................................................................................................41,159               36,847               Maxim ....................................................................................................................................24,418               23,759               Other ......................................................................................................................................23,587               22,518               Corporate ...............................................................................................................................15,934               91,660               Investment partnerships ........................................................................................................471,689             697,982             Total assets ...........................................................................................................................1,003,918$        1,314,791$        Identifiable AssetsDecember 31, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 21. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 

The investment partnerships  concentrate  investments,  which expose them to  more  market price  fluctuations than  might be the 
case were investments more diversified.  

68 

1st Quarter2nd Quarter3rd Quarter (3)4th Quarter (3)205,828$      221,956$      218,443$         215,225$        38,686          51,208          46,791             46,199            206,144        213,172        209,493           209,366          17,173          (2,177)           9,050               (61,477)           9,983            26                 9,298               (35,150)           5.36$            0.01$            7.36$               (27.88)$           5.36$            0.01$            7.35$               (27.88)$           172,339$      234,574$      193,229$         193,669$        38,377          52,191          39,724             37,359            167,843        224,753        190,429           196,512          24,864          (12,263)         13,367             13,048            16,491          (5,803)           9,594               8,522              9.62$            (3.39)$           5.67$               4.96$              9.60$            (3.39)$           5.66$               4.95$              166,511$      225,210$      184,602$         179,499$        37,613          50,189          43,476             41,541            159,181        220,606        178,137           177,164          5,930            1,420            169,834           39,277            4,562            2,180            106,704           26,825            2.94$            1.41$            69.08$             17.46$            2.94$            1.40$            68.92$             17.43$            (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)For the year ended December 31, 2015Total revenues ...............................................................................Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (4) ..........................Gross profit (2) ..............................................................................Costs and expenses .......................................................................Earnings (loss) before income taxes ...........................................Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (5) ...Basic earnings (loss) per common share (4) ..............................Costs and expenses .........................................................................For the year ended September 24, 2014 (52 weeks) (1)Total revenues .................................................................................Gross profit (2) ...............................................................................Costs and expenses .........................................................................Earnings (loss) before income taxes .................................................Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (5) ............Basic earnings (loss) per common share (4) ....................................Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (4) .................................For the year ended September 25, 2013 (52 weeks) (1)Total revenues .................................................................................Gross profit (2) ...............................................................................Werecordedpre-taxgainoncontributiontoinvestmentpartnershipsof$29,524duringthethirdquarterof2014,$162,869duringthe third quarter of 2013 and $19,877 during the fourth quarter of 2013.Earningspershareofcommonstockisbasedontheweightedaveragenumberofsharesoutstandingduringtheyear.Infiscalyear2014and2013theCompanycompletedrightsofferingsinwhich344,261and286,767newsharesofcommonstockwereissued,respectively.  Earnings per share have been retroactively restated to give effect to the rights offerings.NetearningsattributabletoBiglariHoldingsInc.includesinvestmentpartnershiplossesof$39,356($18,168netoftax)in2015andinvestment partnership gains of $14,055 ($12,316 net of tax) in 2014 and $20,068 ($13,296 net of tax) in 2013.Earnings before income taxes ...........................................................Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc. (5) ......................Basic earnings per common share (4) ..............................................Diluted earnings per common share (4) ...........................................Our former fiscal year includes quarters consisting of 12, 16, 12 and 12 weeks, respectively. Wedefinegrossprofitasnetrevenuelessrestaurantcostofsales,mediacostofsales,andinsurancelossesandunderwritingexpenses, which excludes depreciation and amortization. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands, except share and per-share data) 

Note 22. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information 

During  2015,  we  had  no  new  capital  lease  obligations  or  lease  retirements,  and  had  $537  of  capital  expenditures  in  accounts 
payable at December 31, 2015. During the 2014 transition period, we had no new capital lease obligations or lease retirements, 
and had $981 of capital expenditures in accounts payable at December 31, 2014. During the 2013 transition period, we had no 
new capital lease obligations and had $409 of capital expenditures in accounts payable at December 31, 2013. During fiscal year 
2014, we had no new capital lease obligations or lease retirements, and had $2,269 of capital expenditures in accounts payable at 
year-end. During fiscal year 2013, we had four new capital lease obligations of $2,311 and had $1,043 of capital expenditures in 
accounts payable at year-end. 

69 

 
 
 
 
Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

Not applicable. 

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures 

Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), 
our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Controller  have  concluded  that  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  effective  as  of 
December 31, 2015. 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 
2015 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  

Item 9B. 

Other Information 

None. 

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Part III 

Item 10.  

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  the  Company’s  definitive  proxy  statement  for  its  2016  Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders’, to be filed on or before April 29, 2016, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  the  Company’s  definitive  proxy  statement  for  its  2016  Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders’, to be filed on or before April 29, 2016, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  the  Company’s  definitive  proxy  statement  for  its  2016  Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders’, to be filed on or before April 29, 2016, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  the  Company’s  definitive  proxy  statement  for  its  2016  Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders’, to be filed on or before April 29, 2016, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  the  Company’s  definitive  proxy  statement  for  its  2016  Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders’, to be filed on or before April 29, 2016, and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 

Part IV 

  (a) 1. Financial Statements 

The following Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are 
included in Part II, Item 8 of this report: 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  ............................................................................................  
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting  ...............................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Earnings  ................................................................................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  ........................................................................................................  
Consolidated Balance Sheets  ............................................................................................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  ...........................................................................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity ..........................................................................................  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  .....................................................................................................................  

PAGE 
31-32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 

2. Financial Statement Schedule 

Schedule I—Parent Company 
Condensed Balance Sheets .................................................................................................................................................  
Condensed Statements of Earnings  ...................................................................................................................................  
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income  ...........................................................................................................  
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows  ...............................................................................................................................  
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements  .............................................................................................  

74 
75 
75 
76 
77 

Other  schedules  have  been  omitted  for  the  reason  that  they  are  not  required,  are  not  applicable,  or  the  required 
information is set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto. 

(b) Exhibits 

See the “Exhibit Index” at page 80. 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of  1934, the registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on February 20, 2016. 

SIGNATURES 

   BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. 

By: 

/s/ BRUCE LEWIS 

Bruce Lewis 
Controller  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons 
on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on February 20, 2016. 

Signature 

/s/ SARDAR BIGLARI 
Sardar Biglari 

/s/ BRUCE LEWIS 
Bruce Lewis 

/s/ PHILIP COOLEY 
Philip Cooley 

/s/ DR. RUTH J. PERSON  
Dr. Ruth J. Person 

/s/ KENNETH R. COOPER 
Kenneth R. Cooper 

/s/ WILLIAM L. JOHNSON 
William L. Johnson 

/s/ JAMES P. MASTRIAN 
James P. Mastrian 

   Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer) 

Title 

  Controller (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

  Director 

  Director 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
  
  
 
 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)  
(dollars in thousands) 
Schedule I 

Condensed Balance Sheets 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements. 

74 

20152014AssetsCash and cash equivalents ...................................................................................................7,611$               76,041$             Investments .........................................................................................................................5,046                 5,781                 Receivables ..........................................................................................................................559                    3,439                 Other ...................................................................................................................................2,948                 6,262                 Investment partnerships .....................................................................................................292,021             493,203             Investments in subsidiaries .................................................................................................244,170             252,668             Total assets ............................................................................................................................552,355$           837,394$           Liabilities and shareholders’ equityAccounts payable and accrued expenses ............................................................................1,914$               1,221$               Deferred income taxes .........................................................................................................99,069               110,622             Total liabilities .......................................................................................................................100,983             111,843             Shareholders’ equity ..............................................................................................................451,372             725,551             Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity ...............................................................................552,355$           837,394$           December 31,  
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)  
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
(dollars in thousands) 
Schedule I (continued) 

Condensed Statements of Earnings  

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements. 

75 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Income items:From consolidated subsidiaries:Dividends .....................................................17,725$        150$             -$              32,223$        -$              Undistributed (loss) earnings .......................(25,357)         23,206          8,678            (5,009)           29,777          (7,632)           23,356          8,678            27,214          29,777          Costs and expense items:General and administrative ..............................13,731          1,815            3,269            8,522            19,685          Other income (loss):Other income ...................................................9                   8                   5                   19                 5,220            Investment gains (including contributions) .....-                -                -                -                162,300        Investment partnership (losses) gains ............(8,845)           110,268        20,457          6,749            20,068          Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp. ..............-                -                -                -                1,597            Total other income (loss) ...................................(8,836)           110,276        20,462          6,768            189,185        Earnings (loss) before income taxes ...................(30,199)         131,817        25,871          25,460          199,277        Income taxes .......................................................(14,356)         40,767          6,922            (3,344)           59,006          Net earnings (loss) .............................................(15,843)$       91,050$        18,949$        28,804$        140,271$      Transition PeriodFiscal Year20152014201320142013(unaudited)Net (loss) earnings attributableto Biglari Holdings Inc. ...................................(15,843)$       91,050$        18,949$        28,804$        140,271$      Other comprehensive income:Reclassification of investment  appreciation in net earnings ..........................62                 -                -                (29,578)         (182,286)       Applicable income taxes ..................................(21)                -                -                11,237          67,640          Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments ............................(892)              (341)              6,540            (4,930)           146,079        Applicable income taxes ..................................327               126               (2,478)           1,874            (53,881)         Foreign currency translation ............................(2,372)           (46)                289               (582)              8                   Other comprehensive income (loss), net ...............(2,896)           (261)              4,351            (21,979)         (22,440)         Total comprehensive income (loss)........................(18,739)$       90,789$        23,300$        6,825$          117,831$      Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company)  
(Year Ended December 31, 2015)  
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
(dollars in thousands) 
Schedule I (continued) 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements. 

76 

20152014201320142013(unaudited)Operating activitiesNet earnings (loss) ..........................................................................(15,843)$   91,050$     18,949$     28,804$     140,271$   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash:Excess distributed earnings of subsidiaries ...............................-            -            -            20,341       -            Undistributed (earnings) loss of subsidiaries ............................25,357       (23,206)     (8,678)       5,009         (29,777)     Provision for deferred income taxes ..........................................(9,861)       40,523       8,142         (1,886)       56,396       Gain on sale of Biglari Capital Corp. ........................................-            -            -            -            (1,597)       Investment gains (including contributions) ...............................-            -            -            -            (162,300)   Investment partnership (gains) losses ......................................  8,845         (110,268)   (20,457)     (6,749)       (20,068)     Distributions from investment partnerships ............................15,175       -            -            7,776         -            Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses .................693            (185)          689            (10,554)     785            Changes in receivables and other ..............................................4,774         952            (723)          (4,016)       3,410         Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities ..................29,140       (1,134)       (2,078)       38,725       (12,880)     Investing activitiesInvestments in and advances to/from subsidiaries, net ...................(19,290)     (5,172)       (2,348)       (13,318)     30,000       Additions of property and equipment ...........................................(2)              -            -            (1,096)       (1,106)       Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired ............................-            -            -            (40,143)     -            Proceeds from sale of Biglari Capital Corp, net of cash on hand ...-            -            -            -            1,699         Purchases of investments ...............................................................(78,500)     -            -            (60,000)     (46,977)     Sales of investments .......................................................................-            -            -            -            1                Net cash used in investing activities ..........................................(97,792)     (5,172)       (2,348)       (114,557)   (16,383)     Financing activitiesProceeds from stock rights offering ................................................-            -            -            85,873       75,595       Proceeds from exercise of stock options ........................................222            3                -            24              16              Net cash provided by financing activities ..................................222            3                -            85,897       75,611       Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ............................(68,430)     (6,303)       (4,426)       10,065       46,348       Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ...........................76,041       82,344       72,279       72,279       25,931       Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ..............................7,611$       76,041$     67,853$     82,344$     72,279$     Transition PeriodFiscal Year 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company) 
(Year Ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years Ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
(dollars in thousands) 

Note 1. Basis of Presentation 

Biglari  Holdings  Inc.’s  (the  “Company”)  condensed  financial  information  has  been  derived  from  the  consolidated  financial 
statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in this report on form 10-K.  

Prior to July 2013, the consolidated financial statements included the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries 
(including  Biglari  Capital  Corp.  (“Biglari  Capital”)),  and  investment  related  limited  partnerships  The  Lion  Fund,  L.P.  and 
Western Acquisitions, L.P. (collectively the “consolidated affiliated partnerships”), in which we had a controlling interest.   

In July 2013 the Company liquidated the partners’ interest in Western Acquisitions, L.P. by distributing assets of the partnership 
to the partners and Biglari Holdings sold all of the outstanding shares of Biglari Capital to Mr. Biglari.  Biglari Capital is the 
general partner of The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively the “investment partnerships"), which are limited 
partnerships that operate as private investment funds.     

As a result of the sale of Biglari Capital and the related liquidation of Western Acquisitions, L.P. the Company ceased to have a 
controlling  interest  in  Biglari  Capital  and  the  consolidated  affiliated  partnerships.   Accordingly,  Biglari  Capital  and  the 
consolidated affiliated partnerships are no longer consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. 

During 2015, the Company contributed cash in exchange  for limited partner interests in the investment partnerships.    During 
fiscal  years  2014  and  2013,  the  Company  contributed  cash  and  securities  in  exchange  for  limited  partner  interests  in  the 
investment partnerships.  Prior to the contributions of securities to the investment partnerships the Company accounted for the 
securities as available-for-sale securities with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of shareholders’ equity in the 
condensed balance sheet. Our interests in the investment partnerships are accounted for as equity method investments due to our 
retained  limited  partner  interest.    The  Company  records  earnings  from  investment  partnerships  in  the  condensed  statement  of 
earnings based on our proportional ownership interest in the investment partnerships’ total earnings. 

Our investments consist of available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses reported 
as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on disposals of 
investments  are  determined  by  specific  identification  of  cost  of  investments  sold  and  are  included  in  realized  investment 
gains/losses, a component of investment gains. 

In each of fiscal years 2014 and 2013, Biglari Holdings completed an offering of transferable subscription rights.  The offerings 
were oversubscribed and 344,261 and 286,767, respectively, new shares of common stock were issued.  The Company received 
net proceeds of $85,873 and $75,595 from the offerings, respectively. 

77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company) 
(Year ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands) 

Note 2. Subsidiary Transactions 

Dividends 
During 2015, the Company received cash dividends from subsidiaries of $17,725. The Company received $150 cash dividends 
from  subsidiaries  during  the  2014  transition  period.    During  fiscal  year  2014,  the  Company  received  cash  dividends  from 
subsidiaries of $52,564.  No cash dividends were received during fiscal year 2013.  

One  of  our  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  has  a  credit  facility  that  imposes  restrictions  on  its  ability  to  transfer  funds  to  the 
Company through intercompany loans, distributions, or dividends. 

Investment in Subsidiaries 
The Company’s investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries. 

Note 3. Investments 

Investments consisted of the following. 

The investments are deemed as available-for-sale securities. 

Investment  gains/losses  are  recognized  when  investments  are  sold  (as  determined  on  a  specific  identification  basis)  or  as 
otherwise required by GAAP. The timing of realized gains and losses from sales can have a material effect on periodic earnings. 
However, such realized gains or losses usually have little, if any, impact on total  shareholders’ equity because the investments 
are carried at fair value with any unrealized gains/losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in 
shareholders’ equity.  We believe that realized investment gains/losses are often meaningless in terms of understanding reported 
results. Short-term investment gains/losses have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility in our results. 

Investment gains were as follows. 

The Company did not recognize a gain during 2015, the 2014 or 2013 transition periods, or during fiscal 2014. 

The  Company  recognized  a  pre-tax  gain  of  $162,869  ($102,607  net  of  tax)  on  contributions  of  $324,751  in  securities  to 
investment partnerships for fiscal year 2013.  The gain had a material effect on the Company’s fiscal 2013 earnings.  However, 
this gain had no impact on total shareholders’ equity because the investments were carried at fair value prior to the contribution, 
with the unrealized gains included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. 

During  fiscal  year  2013,  the  Company  had  unrealized  losses  on  available-for-sale  securities  in  a  continuous  unrealized  loss 
position for more than twelve consecutive months.  Therefore, we recorded an impairment of $570 in fiscal year 2013. 

78 

20152014Cost ..........................................................................................................................................5,988$               5,989$               Gross unrealized gains ..............................................................................................................-                     -                     Gross unrealized losses ............................................................................................................(942)                   (208)                   Fair value ..................................................................................................................................5,046$               5,781$               December 31,2013Gain on contributions to investment partnerships .............................................................................................. $           162,869 Gross realized gains on sales ................................................................................................................................                         1 Gross realized losses on sales ..............................................................................................................................                       -   Other than temporary impairment .......................................................................................................................                   (570)Gains on contributions and sales of investments ................................................................................................. $           162,300  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements 
Biglari Holdings Inc. (Parent Company) 
(Year ended December 31, 2015) 
(Transition Periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013) 
(Fiscal Years ended September 24, 2014 and September 25, 2013) 
 (dollars in thousands) 

Note 4.  Investment Partnerships 

The Company reports on the limited partnership  interests in The Lion Fund, L.P. and The  Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively the 
“investment partnerships”) under the equity method of accounting.  We record our proportional share of equity in the investment 
partnerships but exclude Company common stock held by said partnerships.  The Company’s pro-rata share of its common stock 
held  by  the  investment  partnerships  is  recorded  as  treasury  stock.   The  Company  records  gains/losses  from  investment 
partnerships  (inclusive  of  the  investment  partnerships’  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  their  securities)  in  the  consolidated 
statements of earnings based on our carrying value of these partnerships.  The fair value is calculated net of the general partner’s 
accrued  incentive  fees.    Gains  and  losses  on  Company  common  stock  included  in  the  earnings  of  these  partnerships  are 
eliminated because they are recorded as treasury stock.  

The fair value and adjustment for Company common stock held by the investment partnerships to determine carrying value of 
our partnership interest is presented below. 

The  Company’s  proportionate  share  of  Company  stock  held  by  investment  partnerships  at  cost  is  $332,827  and  $77,165  at 
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and is recorded as treasury stock. 

The carrying value of the partnership interest approximates fair value adjusted by changes in the value of held Company stock.  
Fair  value  is  according  to  our  proportional  ownership  interest  of  the  fair  value  of  investments  held  by  the  investment 
partnerships. The fair value measurement is classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.   

On  December  31  of  each  year,  the  general  partner  of  the  investment  partnerships,  Biglari  Capital,  will  earn  an  incentive 
reallocation fee for the Company’s investments equal to 25% of the net profits above an annual hurdle rate of 6%. Our policy is 
to accrue an estimated incentive fee throughout the year. The total incentive reallocation from Biglari Holdings to Biglari Capital 
for calendar years 2015 and 2014 was $20 and $24,163, respectively. Our investments in these partnerships are committed on a 
rolling 5-year basis.   

The  investments  held  by  the  investment  partnerships  are  largely  concentrated  in  the  common  stock  of  Cracker  Barrel  Old 
Country Store, Inc. 

Note 5. Income Taxes 

Federal income taxes are paid based on the consolidated results of Biglari Holdings. 

79 

Fair ValueCompany Common StockCarrying ValuePartnership interest at July 1, 2013 .....................................................................54,608$        43,580$            11,028$      Investment partnership gains ..............................................................................23,053          2,985                20,068        Contributions of cash and securities to investment partnerships .................326,451        -                    326,451      Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held ................................-                11,033              (11,033)       Partnership interest at September 25, 2013 ........................................................404,112        57,598              346,514      Investment partnership gains (losses) ...............................................................1,071            (5,678)               6,749          Contributions of cash (net of distributions) to partnerships .........................52,224          -                    52,224        Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held ................................-                18,594              (18,594)       Partnership interest at September 24, 2014 ........................................................457,407        70,514              386,893      Investment partnership gains ..............................................................................117,664        7,396                110,268      Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held ................................-                3,958                (3,958)         Partnership interest at December 31, 2014 .........................................................575,071$      81,868$            493,203$    Investment partnership losses ...........................................................................(83,396)       (74,551)           (8,845)       Contributions of cash (net of distributions) to partnerships ........................63,325        -                   63,325      Increase in proportionate share of Company stock held ...............................-               255,662          (255,662)   Partnership interest at December 31, 2015 ....................................................555,000$    262,979$        292,021$   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS 

Exhibit 
Number 

Description 

All documents referenced below were filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Company, file number  
0-8445, unless otherwise indicated. 

2.01 

3.01 

3.02 

4.01 

 Agreement  and  Plan  of  Merger,  dated  as  of  October  22,  2009,  by  and  among  the  Company,  Grill  Acquisition 
Corporation and Western. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K 
dated October 23, 2009). 

  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, filed March 27, 2002, as amended by Articles of 
Amendment dated December 17, 2009, January 27, 2010 and April 8, 2010. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 
to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated April 15, 2010). 

  Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, as amended through June 3, 2015. (Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 4, 2015). 

  Specimen certificate representing Common Stock of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 11, 2001). 

10.01* 

  1997 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the Appendix to the Company’s definitive Proxy 
Statement dated December 24, 1996). 

10.02* 

  Amendment  No.  1  to  1997  Employee  Stock  Option  Plan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  the  Appendix  to  the 
Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated December 19, 2001). 

10.03* 

  Form  of  Stock  Option  Agreement  under  the  Company’s  1997  Employee  Stock  Option  Plan.  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2004 
filed on December 16, 2004). 

10.04* 

  2005  Director  Stock  Option  Plan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Appendix  B  to  the  Company’s  definitive  Proxy 
Statement dated December 20, 2004). 

10.05* 

  2006 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated February 8, 2006). 

10.06* 

  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Employee Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2006). 

10.07* 

 2007  Non-Employee  Director  Restricted  Stock  Plan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit 10.1  to  the  Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 9, 2007). 

10.08* 

 2008 Equity Incentive Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement 
dated February 8, 2008). 

10.09* 

10.10* 

  Form  of  Employee  Stock  Option  Agreement  under  the  Company’s  2008  Equity  Incentive  Plan.  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 9, 
2008). 

  Form of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.02  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarterly 
period ended April 9, 2008). 

10.11* 

 The  Steak  n  Shake  Non-Qualified  Savings  Plan,  amended  and  restated  as  of  March  15,  2010.    (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated April 22, 2010). 

   10.12 

   10.13* 

  Multiple  Unit  Franchise  Agreement,  dated  as  of  September  21,  2005,  by  and  among  the  Company,  Reinwald 
Enterprises Emory, LLC and Reinwald Enterprises Wild Geese, LLC.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 27, 2005). 

Form  of  Indemnity  Agreement  entered  into  on  October  9,  2007  with  the  following  Officers  and  Directors  of  the 
Company: Jeffrey A. Blade, Duane E. Geiger, Alan B. Gilman, Omar Janjua, David C. Milne, Thomas Murrill, Gary 
T. Reinwald, Steven M. Schiller, J. Michael  Vance,  Geoff  Ballotti, Wayne Kelley,  Charles  Lanham,  Ruth Person, 
John  W.  Ryan,  J.  Fred  Risk,  Steven  M.  Schmidt,  Edward  Wilhelm,  and  James  Williamson,  Jr.    (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 
2007). 

80 

 
 
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
  
Exhibit 
Number 

10.14* 

Severance Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2010, by and between the Company and Duane Geiger. (Incorporated 
by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.01  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarterly  period  ended 
December 23, 2009). 

Description 

 10.15* 

  Amended and Restated Incentive Bonus Agreement, dated September 28, 2010, by and between the Company and 
Sardar Biglari. (Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement dated September 
28, 2011). 

10.16 

10.17 

  Trademark  License  Agreement,  dated  as  of  January  11,  2013,  by  and  between  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.  and  Sardar 
Biglari.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 11, 
2013). 

  Trademark Sublicense  Agreement,  entered as of May 14, 2013, by and among the Company, Steak  n Shake, LLC 
and Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 10, 2013). 

10.18 

  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  dated  July  1,  2013,  by  and  between  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.  and  Sardar  Biglari.  

(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2013). 

10.29 

  Shared  Services  Agreement,  dated  July  1,  2013,  by  and  between  Biglari  Holdings  Inc.  and  Biglari  Capital  Corp.  

(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2013). 

  10.20*    First Amendment, dated as of July 1, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Incentive Bonus Agreement, dated as of 
September 28, 2010, by and between Biglari Holdings Inc. and Sardar Biglari.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2013). 

    10.21 

  Credit Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2014, among Steak n Shake Operations, Inc., as borrower, Steak n Shake 
Enterprises, Inc. and Steak n Shake, LLC, as subsidiary guarantors, the lenders party thereto, Jefferies Finance LLC, 
as  joint  lead  arranger,  syndication  agent,  documentation  agent,  book  manager,  administrative  agent  and  collateral 
agent, and Fifth Third Bank, as joint lead arranger, swingline lender and issuing bank.  (Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 21, 2014). 

    10.22 

  Security Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2014, by Steak n Shake Operations, Inc., Steak n Shake Enterprises, Inc. 
and  Steak  n  Shake,  LLC,  as  pledgors,  assignors  and  debtors,  in  favor  of  Jefferies  Finance  LLC,  in  its  capacity  as 
collateral agent, pledgee, assignee and secured party.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 21, 2014). 

    10.23 

  Form of Indemnity Agreement for Directors of the Company, as adopted on June 3, 2015. (Incorporated by reference 

to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 4, 2015). 

    10.24 

  Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of The Lion Fund II, L.P. as amended on June 3, 2015.  (Incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 4, 2015). 

14.01  

  Code of Conduct, dated December 30, 2015. 

21.01  

  Subsidiaries of the Company. 

23.01  

  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

31.01  

  Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer. 

31.02  

  Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer. 

32.01  

  Section 1350 Certifications. 

    101** 

  Interactive Data Files. 

* 

** 

Indicates  management  contract  or  compensatory  plans  or  arrangements  required  to  be  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the 
Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

In  accordance  with  Rule  406T  of  Regulation  S-T,  these  interactive  data  files  are  deemed  not  filed  or  part  of  a 
registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are 
deemed not filed for purposes of Section 19 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are 
not subject to liability under those sections. 

81